Chemistry
Head Of Department: Mrs L Barden
Contact Details: leb@felsted.org
Twitter/X: @felstedscience
IB - Chemistry
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry occupies a pivotal position in the sciences. Studying this subject develops an appreciation of many aspects of our complex and technical society, with an emphasis on analytical skills and a spirit of enquiry. Potential employers value the analytical and conceptual skills that are developed during the study of Chemistry. Such skills, coupled with the ability to work in a meticulous and accurate manner, enable chemistry pupils to pursue careers both within and outside the vast area of Science.
Where will it lead me?
As well as being compulsory or strongly advised for courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy and all Applied Chemistry subjects, it opens up career prospects in fields such as: anatomy, agricultural science, beauty therapy, engineering, food science, forestry, pathology, pharmacology, polymer science, zoology and many more. But its academic standing is such that it is also a good subject to have when contemplating courses as diverse as Law, Economics, History, Sports Therapy and Geography.
Course structure
The aim of the syllabus is to integrate concepts, topic content and the nature of science through inquiry. The chemistry syllabus roadmap is divided into two threads: structure, which refers to the nature of matter from simple to complex forms, and reactivity which refers to how and why chemical reactions occur.
Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter - atomic structure and stoichiometric relationships
Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure
Structure 3: Classification of matter - the periodic table of elements and classification of organic compounds.
Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions? Thermodynamics and entropy changes
Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far? Kinetics and equilibria
Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change? Proton and electron transfer reactions, electron sharing reactions
Group 4 Science pupils from Biology, Chemistry and Physics also come together and collaboratively complete a “Group 4 Project” which constitutes ten hours of their practical work. This is a great opportunity to explore a topic of interest to the pupils under one umbrella topic chosen by the School.
Assessment:
External Assessment (80%)
Paper 1 36%
Multiple-choice and data-based questions
Paper 2 44%
Short answer and extended response questions
Internal Assessment (20%)
An individual investigation of 10 hours’ class time.
Assessed on five criteria:
1. Personal Engagement
2. Exploration
3. Analysis
4. Evaluation
5. Communication
Pupils are required to complete 40 hours of practical work at Standard Level and 60 hours of practical work at Higher Level. Work is assessed internally by the teacher, then moderated externally by the IB.
A Level
Exam Board: ocr www.ocr.org.uk
Syllabus Code: H432
The A Level course is a linear course resulting in an A Level qualification with practical endorsement accreditation alongside the theoretical qualification. The specification is taught using a content-led approach giving flexibility to divide topics and approach teaching in a logical fashion.
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry occupies a pivotal position in the sciences. Studying this subject develops an appreciation of many aspects of our complex and technical society, with an emphasis on analytical skills and a spirit of enquiry. Potential employers value the analytical and conceptual skills that are developed during the study of Chemistry. Such skills, coupled with the ability to work in a meticulous and accurate manner, enable chemistry pupils to pursue careers both within and outside the vast area of Science.
Expectations of independent study
Independent study reinforces the classroom content, develops new techniques and advances time management skills. The correct approach to independent study can make Chemistry an extremely rewarding and enjoyable subject.
We would expect that you show an interest in Chemistry by reading around the subject, e.g. Chemistry review magazines, New Scientist articles etc. Every hour of Chemistry teaching needs to be matched with an hour of private study, this may be specific tasks set by class teachers or your own consolidation and practice.
Requirements
Pupils should be aiming for at least a 7 in GCSE Chemistry or a 77 grade in GCSE Double Award Science (recommended). At least a grade 6 in Mathematics is also recommended.
What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?
Chemistry opens up innumerable career prospects in fields such as Anatomy, Agricultural Science, Beauty Therapy, Biochemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Dentistry, Food Science, Forestry, Medicine, Pathology, Polymer Science, Veterinary Science, Zoology and many, many more. Potential employers value the analytical and conceptual skills that are developed during the study of Chemistry. Such skills, coupled with the ability to work in a meticulous and accurate manner, enable Chemistry pupils to pursue careers both within and outside the vast area of Science.
What do the pupils say?
“Chemistry fits in with both biology and physics, it really is the middle science”
“I really enjoy the techniques we learn as we work through the practical activities”
“Throughout the course the organic chemistry really starts to link together”
“The course is well structured and easy to follow.”
Assessment:
A series of terminal examinations, covering the following six modules:
1. Development of practical skills
2. Foundations in Chemistry
3. Periodic table and energy
4. Core organic chemistry
5. Physical Chemistry and transition elements
6. Organic Chemistry and analysis
Paper 1 37%
Periodic table, elements and physical Chemistry. Examines modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Varied multiple choice and short answer questions
Paper 2 37%
Synthesis and analytical techniques. Examines modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Varied multiple choice and short answer questions
Paper 3 26%
Unified Chemistry. Examines all units. Longer answer questions (no multiple choice)
We do lots of experiments independently which helps with understanding
Charlotte, L6 pupil