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Welcome to the Chemistry Department
Introduction
The Chemistry Department together with other sciences is located on the third floor of the main building whose labs include specialist Chemistry laboratories. The whole science floor enjoys wireless access to the school’s computer network. We aim to convey enthusiasm for the subject, using a variety of practical, experimental work to stimulate pupils’ curiosity and help them to experience science at first hand through their own investigative work. Chemistry starts as a discrete subject in the Third Form.
Third Form (Key Stage 3)
At Key Stage 3 pupils follow a course which includes but goes beyond the National Curriculum for Chemistry. The course covers: Atoms, Elements and Compounds and Chemical Reactions. This provides a firm basis for the further study of Chemistry at GCSE. Pupils begin their GCSE course in the last term of the 3rd Form.
National Curriculum
BBC Bitesize
Fifth-Forms (Key Stage 4) examination 2012
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At GCSE pupils are prepared for the OCR Gateway linear specification at Higher or Foundation level, which builds on the work studied at Key Stage 3. Topics covered at this level include:
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Carbon Chemistry; Rocks and Metals; The Periodic Table; Manufacturing Processes; Quantitative Methods, Applications of Chemistry
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Course work consists of Science in the News. (20% of the final grade) and during their practical work pupils score points towards Can do Tasks (13.3% of the final grade)..
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OCR specification
BBC Bitesize
Fourth Forms (Key Stage 4) New Syllabus
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At GCSE new syllabus pupils are prepared for the Edexcel linear specification at Higher or Foundation level, which builds on the work studied at Key Stage 3. Topics covered at this level include:
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Unit C1: Chemistry in our world - The Earth’s sea and atmosphere; Materials from the Earth; Acids; Obtaining and using metals; Fuels
Unit C2: Discovering chemistry - Atomic structure and the periodic table; Ionic compounds and analysis; Covalent compounds and separation techniques; Groups in the periodic table; Chemical reactions; Quantitative chemistry
Unit C3: Chemistry in action - Qualitative analysis; Quantitative analysis; Electrolytic processes; Gases, equilibria and ammonia; Organic chemistry
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Coursework consists of controlled assessment units. Pupils will carry out two such activities with the best work submitted. This counts for 25% of the final grade.
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Edexcel specification
BBC Bitesize
Sixth-Form
GCE ‘A’ Level Chemistry
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To join the A level Chemistry course pupils must have at least a grade B in Chemistry (triple science option) or A*A* in science (double science option). Chemistry is a very popular course in the Sixth Form. At A Level we follow the Edexcel specification. Choice of this subject is important for science related careers such as Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine.
Students studying Chemistry sit examinations in all units at the end of the Upper Sixth. There is also a coursework required at A level (20%) consisting of practical activities carried out in lessons under controlled conditions.
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Topics covered include:
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Formulae, equations and amounts of substance; Bonding; Shapes of molecules and ions; Intermediate bonding and polarity; Intermolecular forces; Atomic structure and the periodic table; Organic Chemistry; Equilibria; Redox; Kinetics
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Edexcel specification
Chemguide.co.uk
s-cool revision
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Internet Resources
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The Chemistry section of the school Learning Resources website includes a wide range of supporting material, such as lesson notes, PowerPoint files, sample exam papers and past exam papers together with marking schemes.
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The Science Society
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The Society run by the students aims to promote enjoyment of all three sciences beyond the classroom. The Society consists of around 30 members. A programme of very interesting lectures offers an opportunity to interact with leading scientists and see the most spectacular experiments.
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Royal Society of Chemistry
Chemistry lectures
Teaching Staff
Dr M. Porter (Head of Chemistry) mporter@los.ac
Dr A. O’Neil (Head of Science)
Dr P. Virgili
Mr W. Poza |
