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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
Fourth and Fifth-Forms (Key Stage 4)
GCSE ICT
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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
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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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. |
Royal Society of Chemistry
Teaching Staff
Dr M. Porter (Head of Chemistry) mporter@los.ac
Dr A. O’Neil (KS3 Co-ordinator)
Dr P. Virgili
Mr S. White
Mr W. Poza
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