Chemistry

Year 7-9

Year 7

Recognising that many students may be encountering chemistry as a separate discipline and laboratory setting for the first time, we prioritise creating a safe and supportive learning environment. We encourage students to confidently share their ideas and ask questions about the concepts being studied. 

The year 7 curriculum is designed to maximise opportunities for practical and investigative work. After establishing a strong foundation in safety procedures, equipment usage, and data presentation, we explore various areas of chemistry through a dynamic blend of theoretical and experimental learning. 

Year 8

In the autumn term, students embark on an exploration of the periodic table of elements. The curriculum then delves into a range of reaction types, incorporating extensive practical work and practice in writing balanced chemical equations. Following the study of gas preparation and testing methods, students investigate the evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere. The final term culminates in a series of extended investigations that solidify and reinforce learning throughout the year. 

Year 9

Students commence their studies of the Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry course in year 9, with an increased number of lessons per week in years 10 and 11. 

• Year 9: States of matter, solubility, atoms and ions, rates of reaction, metals, gases in the atmosphere 

Year 10-11

Topics covered in year 10 include the periodic table, structures and bonding, calculations, crude oil, other products from crude oil, electrolysis.

In year 11 students cover acids, alkalis, and salts, energetics, equilibria, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and esters. 

Sixth form

Topics are broken down as follows:

• Physical Chemistry: A refined model of atomic structure is introduced, providing new insights into the arrangement of elements within the periodic table. A significant emphasis is placed on mathematical and modeling aspects, with students expanding upon IGCSE calculations and employing more sophisticated methods to solve numerical problems related to physical chemistry. 

• Organic Chemistry: The study of carbon-containing compounds is significantly broadened. Students gain an appreciation for the importance of synthetic pathways in the pharmaceutical and materials industries, exploring how alterations in reagents and conditions can significantly impact organic products. 

• Inorganic Chemistry: Specific groups and periods of the periodic table are examined in detail, complemented by extensive practical work ranging from familiar Groups I and VII to the less familiar transition metals. The study of structures and bonding is closely integrated with the exploration of the periodicity of elements. 

Throughout all areas of the course, students actively engage in a variety of experiments to support their learning and successfully address practical-based questions.