Chemistry
Chemistry is fundamental to everyday life. It is being carried out by everyone, everyday; the use of oxygen in respiration, baking bread, washing clothes. It is needed to manufacture the pans you cook in, the water you drink and the medicines taken. The diversity of the subject enables students to continue further studies in many areas from chemical engineering to public health.
‘Chemists are the source of innovation for the materials of everyday life and the manufacture of those which don’t yet exist’
Whether students wish to progress to a career in a Chemistry related field or just to develop their skills and knowledge, The King’s (The Cathedral) School Chemistry department offers something for everyone.
Through a variety of activities students are enabled to:
· Understand the importance of Chemistry in everyday life
· Form opinions about the social, economic and environmental impact of Chemical Industries
· Develop skills in practical techniques, discussion, questioning and logical thinking
· Apply knowledge learnt in a variety of contexts
Staff are committed to making lessons in Chemistry as relevant, fun and thought provoking as possible and so topical issues are included regularly, so that they may understand Chemistry in the news, for example.
Many students have been inspired to continue with science studies further and have progressed to study a wide range of university disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, dietetics, chemical engineering, veterinary medicine, chemistry, and many more.
KS3
In Years 7 and 8 Chemistry is taught as part of a balanced KS3 curriculum alongside Biology and Physics.
Chemistry elements of the course are: Year 7: Acids, alkalis and metals Particles, Year 8: Elements, compounds and fuels Rocks and weathering. KS3 assessment includes formative Assessing Pupil Progress tasks (APP) for each topic and summative tests twice a year. Homework is set once a week and should take approximately 30-40 minutes.
KS3 science aims to develop the scientific skills our students require to embark upon their KS4 studies.
KS4
In Years 9, 10 and 11 all students study Chemistry at GCSE either as a Separate Science or as part of the Core and Additional Science awards. All these awards follow the AQA specifications. Both awards build on KS3 knowledge and provide students with a foundation to study Chemistry at KS5.
There are three examined units and one centre assessed unit which assesses application of ‘How Science Works’ skills.
A range of topics are covered including Limestone, Oil, Green Chemistry, Structures and Bonding, Analytical Chemistry, Energy changes in Reactions and Calculations relevant to industrial applications.
There are 2 examined units containing a mixture of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics and one centre assessed unit which assesses application of ‘How Science Works’ skills.
There are 2 examined units containing a mixture of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics and one centre assessed unit which assesses application of ‘How Science Works’ skills.
KS5
In Years 12 and 13 students follow the AQA AS and A2 Chemistry courses. Within this course all units are compulsory.
AS units
CHEM1—Foundation Chemistry
CHEM2—Chemistry in Action
CHM3T—Practical Skills in Chemistry 1
This is assessed through 6 practical skill tasks and an ISA task comprising of a practical task and a written paper, all of which take place in lessons.
A2 units
CHEM4—Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry
CHEM5—Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry
CHM6T—Practical Skills in Chemistry 2
This is assessed through 6 practical skill tasks and an ISA task comprising of a practical task and a written paper, all of which take place in lessons.
The topics covered at KS5 give numerous opportunities for students to
· gain hands-on practical skills and data analysis skills
· appreciate how science works and its relevance beyond the laboratory
· develop an enthusiasm for Chemistry
· demonstrate a synoptic understanding
· study Chemistry in a contemporary context
If students are interested in going onto a Chemistry related degree course or career staff are always available for advice and discussion.
Students also play an important role within the department, acting as role models for younger students, giving feedback to staff to inform teaching and as prefects who fulfil a range of roles including supporting students with homework and revision.
Facilities
The department is supported by a well qualified technician and is well resourced so that many lessons have a practical basis.
At KS5 students are able to develop their Organic synthesis skills by making aspirin, and monitoring rates of reaction using a variety of data logging equipment including colorimeters.
Regular events
Students in year 13 participate in Chemistry Olympiad
Students in year 12/13 may have opportunity to visit Topical Lectures in London
Department Staff
Miss Deborah Benson, Curriculum Area Manager Chemistry
Dr Nigel Webster, Teacher of Chemistry
Mrs Alice Proctor, Teacher of Chemistry
Mrs Helen Brew, Teacher of Chemistry
Miss Krystyna Wojtaszek Chemistry technician