‘For me chemistry represented an indefinite cloud of future potentialities which enveloped my life to come in black volutes torn by fiery flashes, like those which had hidden Mount Sinai’
Primo Levi
With the world facing ever increasing challenges in the fields of medicine, agriculture and the environment it is without doubt that a knowledge and understanding of Chemistry will be the key to the solutions.
Head of Chemistry: Dr. B Young (Photo left)
Mr Tim Bell and Mr Dan Evans
Chemistry in Years 1-5
The first to second form study a bespoke syllabus which is designed to give a good grounding in chemical principles and prepare pupils for further study of the subject. Topics in first form include atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures ~ the major categories of material. Second form includes acids and alkalis and the principles of chemical change. Pupils are taught by Chemistry specialists throughout their time at St. Bees and we encourage pupils to explore the subject through a balance of practical work and a stimulating theoretical approach that challenges and develops pupils’ understanding of the subject and its place in society.
GCSE is started in the third form with the first module of the three-module course from AQA . The focuses are on environmental concerns and how science works in terms of providing evidence to justify or deny activities. Traditional Chemistry facts and theories are taught and balanced by exploring contemporary science issues through research, discussion and debate.
Fourth and Fifth Form continue GCSE Chemistry with modules 2 and 3 respectfully. The concepts are more challenging and rewarding. Practical work is a major component of how we study the subject and links in with some processes used in industry to produce the most common chemicals in use today.
Core subject - Examination Board used AQA
Tiers available: Higher and Foundation
What is GCSE Chemistry all about?
GCSE Chemistry involves the study of:
- Chemistry of the elements related to the periodic table
- Chemistry of organic compounds
- Factors affecting the control of reactions
- How Chemistry relates to and assists society
Examples of areas you will study:-
Atomic structure and historical models
Bonding and how this affects properties
Extraction and uses of metals
Extraction, separation and uses of compounds from oil
Manipulation of compounds to prepare more useful products
How energy and other factors relate to the speed of reactions
Industrial processes
In Chemistry lessons you will carry out experiments and investigations, discuss demonstrations and study theory.
How does it follow on from what I have learnt before?
Your GCSE course builds on the work that you have completed in the first three Forms and contains a module examined in Third Form. There are some new topics introduced; these usually develop from the ideas that you have studied at Key Stage 3. In addition, the course provides an excellent foundation for the study of A-level Chemistry.
Why do I study GCSE Chemistry?
You are made up of chemicals. Everything you eat, wear, kick or breathe is made of chemicals. In fact, everything you come into contact with in your everyday life is chemical in nature. Chemists are able to analyse and make new materials, manipulate and control existing ones and tailor the properties of materials to meet their function. Studying Chemistry will give you an insight into the important classes of chemicals in industry and what they are used for. You will understand important applications such as fuels, fertilizers, plastics, metals and many others.
What about examinations?
At the end of the course you will sit the AQA examination in Chemistry. You may have already taken the unit C1 as part of your studies in the Third Form at St. Bees. If so, you will have the opportunity to re-sit this in the Fifth Form. Your best mark will count. This paper is a 1 hour “Objective Test” – that is it consists of multiple-choice questions. You will also sit theory papers C2 and C3. These are each 45 minutes long and consist of structured written questions. Each of these units contribute 25% towards your final mark. Each can be taken at Foundation Tier or Higher Tier level. You will be prepared for the Higher Tier, although some candidates may sit the Foundation Tier where this is desirable. The tier that is chosen will be agreed between parents, staff and students at the time when entries are submitted in the Fifth Form.
Is there any coursework?
There is a compulsory Centre-Assessed Unit. This consists mainly of an ISA (Investigative Skills Assignment), which involves some investigative practical work in the laboratory followed by a 45 minute written test. These are administered during normal lessons and students are likely to have the chance to do more than one. The best score achieved counts. During the course, your teacher will also be assessing your practical skills on an ongoing basis, to give a PSA (Prac score. The ISA and PSA together contribute 25% to your final grade.
(There is no requirement to complete a large investigation with a substantial report.)
What other skills might I develop?
You will have the chance to become better at using numbers, using ICT, written and oral communications, problem solving and working with others. There is lots of practical work on the course and you will learn to use a wide range of equipment.
What can I do next with GCSE Chemistry?
You may wish to study Chemistry further, to AS and A2 Level, in the Sixth Form.