Chemistry

Chemistry

Introduction

Chemistry occupies a central position amongst the Science subjects.  On the one hand it is linked to Physics through Physical Chemistry whilst on the other to Biology through Organic Chemistry.  

Chemistry is of fundamental importance in many careers such Medicine, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Petrochemicals, etc, and the disciplines of the subject make it well accepted as a basis for other non-science based careers such as Law and Accountancy.  

At Kirkham Grammar School we aim to make the study of the subject both interesting and enjoyable whilst at the same time developing essential skills, knowledge and an awareness of the importance of Chemistry to life.  

Lower School

In the Lower School, Chemistry is taught separately to the other sciences in modern well equipped laboratories.  The course is designed to be informative and enjoyable and as such is practically based with pupils encouraged to think for themselves in a scientific and logical manner. 

Middle School

Chemistry
Board: AQA

Chemistry is taught as a separate subject to all pupils, with examinations being taken in the Fifth Year for those studying combined science (trilogy) and chemistry at GCSE.  

Senior School

Chemistry
Board: AQA

At A-level, Paper 1 examines the relevant physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and practical skills.  

Paper 2 examines the relevant physical chemistry, organic chemistry and practical skills.  

Paper 3 examines any of the content and any practical skills.  The A Level examinations will all be taken at the end of the A Level course.  It is a linear course.

Co-Curricular

First – Third Year: Science Club

Fourth and Fifth Year: Chemistry Support Club

Sixth Form:      

RSC Olympiad

RSC Chemistry in a Suitcase

Visits to local University Departments

C3L6 Chemistry Challenge – Cambridge University

Chemistry Clinic – weekly

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Sixth Form

Chemistry occupies a central position among science subjects.  On the one hand it is linked with physics through physical chemistry and on the other with biology through organic chemistry.  Thus chemistry is fundamental to physiology, medicine and dentistry and it underlies many branches of technology such as atomic energy, metallurgy, fuel technology, engineering (particularly chemical engineering) and biological sciences.  Other subject combinations have proved useful, eg chemistry, biology and geography for environment and agricultural courses; chemistry is the first priority for these courses.

Why choose Kirkham Grammar School?

The Faculty of Science provides a modern and well-equipped centre for A Level study at Kirkham Grammar School.  The academic staff are very well qualified and have considerable experience outside teaching, including industrial and postgraduate research.  Teaching within the department is carried out in small groups establishing a good rapport between staff and pupils and ensuring a high degree of individual attention.  An adult and mature approach is adopted towards pupils and the same is expected in return.  The pupils are provided with an extensive pack of notes and questions for each topic in the specification.

The Course

Course Specification for A Level Chemistry:

Examination Board: AQA

This qualification is linear.  Linear means that students will sit all the A Level examinations at the end of their A Level course.

Subject content:

3.1 Physical chemistry

  •     3.1.1 Atomic structure
  •     3.1.2 Amount of substance
  •     3.1.3 Bonding
  •     3.1.4 Energetics
  •     3.1.5 Kinetics
  •     3.1.6 Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier's principle
  •     3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
  •     3.1.8 Thermodynamics (A Level only)
  •     3.1.9 Rate equations (A Level only)
  •     3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kc for homogeneous systems (A Level only)
  •     3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A Level only)
  •     3.1.12 Acids and bases (A Level only)

3.2 Inorganic chemistry

  •     3.2.1 Periodicity
  •     3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
  •     3.2.3 Group 7 (17), the halogens
  •     3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A Level only)
  •     3.2.5 Transition metals (A Level only)
  •     3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A Level only)

3.3 Organic chemistry

  •     3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry
  •     3.3.2 Alkanes
  •     3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes
  •     3.3.4 Alkenes
  •     3.3.5 Alcohols
  •     3.3.6 Organic analysis
  •     3.3.7 Optical isomerism (A Level only)
  •     3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones (A Level only)
  •     3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A Level only)
  •     3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry (A Level only)
  •     3.3.11 Amines (A Level only)
  •     3.3.12 Polymers (A Level only)
  •     3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A Level only)
  •     3.3.14 Organic synthesis (A Level only)
  •     3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (A Level only)
  •     3.3.16 Chromatography (A Level only)

Assessment

Three papers each of 2 hour duration.  All A Level topics and practical skills are examined.

Co-Curricular

Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad

Royal Society of Chemistry Spectroscopy in a Suitcase

Visits to local University Departments

Cambridge University Challenge C3L6

Chemistry Clinic

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Careers

Science Teacher

Chemical Engineer

Agricultural Chemist

Metallurgist

Technical Sales

Food Technologist

Pharmacist

Biochemist

Nurse/Doctor

Public Analyst

Research Chemist

Laboratory Scientist

Animal Technician

Dentist