Chemistry

As a Science Faculty, our key aim is to engage all students and help them to identify and understand the science in the world around them. Through our curriculum, we aspire to equip learners with a variety of transferable skills that can be applied in the workplace across a range of careers, not only in the field of Science. We strive to constantly evaluate and evolve our curriculum, to ensure that students’ knowledge is built up in a logical and incremental way which is vital for a thorough understanding of complex scientific concepts.

Our curriculum at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 focuses on assessing cumulative knowledge and skills, to gain a better understanding of our students’ command of Science whilst also identifying detailed targets for development.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 Hertswood students study chemistry, which is delivered through one of the three periods of science per week.

Year 7 learn about three key topics, providing the building blocks for the knowledge in Years 8 and 9. The topics are:

• Matter
• Reactions
• Earth chemistry

The common thread throughout Key Stage 3 is guiding students to develop knowledge of the chemistry that surrounds them and how chemical reactions are an integral part of everyday life. Students demonstrate their knowledge through regular assessment and practical work and additionally learn about areas such as health and safety in the laboratory and careers in the chemical industry.

Key Stage 4

For GCSE, students study science for four periods per week. In chemistry, the course covers the theoretical foundations of the subject starting with how matter is constructed and bonded together, through to the changes that occur in a chemical reaction and finally to the impact of chemistry on our planet and society. It also develops students’ practical and data analysis skills. The course is fast-paced, so good attendance is required to ensure the students keep up with the content and do not miss essential practical work. This qualification is essential for students who want to take a Level 3 course in science. Students have gone on to professions such as pharmaceutical chemistry and chemical engineering and some to teaching courses or access courses for entry to other University degrees.

Key Stage 5

At A-level, Chemistry is a popular course.  In two years, students get a really in-depth knowledge of this fascinating subject, preparing them for further education or giving the credentials to enhance job options straight away.  Chemistry is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions and it also equips students for a career in industry, for example in the petrochemical or pharmaceutical industries.

Independent Learning Resources

• The Knowledge
• Quizlet
• Century Tech
• CGP Revision and Workbook