Devonport High School For Girls
Chemistry
Name of Head of Department
Dr E Mattock, MChem, PhD, MA, PGCE
Statement of Intent
The DHSG science curriculum aims to provide an exceptional scientific education for students, through a wealth of inspiring opportunities within a nurturing environment, leading to outstanding achievements and facilitating further study and potential careers within the subject.
Our aim is to develop students’ curiosity, wonder and understanding of the world around them and equipping them with the analytical skills needed to contribute to a global society.
High-quality teaching of an ambitious, sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum promotes student understanding and addresses misconceptions. Theoretical work is supported by purposeful practical work that enhances understanding and develops critical thinking.
Chemistry is the branch of science where learners explore and gain understanding:
- of the composition, behaviour, and properties of matter;
- of the origins and development of the Earth and its atmosphere;
- of the role of chemists in and the use and development of existing materials, and design of new materials and their impacts on society, the economy, and the environment.
This is achieved at each Key Stage:
- Lower years: Adherence to the National Curriculum for Science (Chemistry);
- Middle Years: AQA GSCE Chemistry or AQA Combined Sciences Trilogy (Chemistry);
- Upper Years: OCR Chemistry A.
Curriculum Programmes of Study
|
Year |
Cycle | Content |
|---|---|---|
|
Year 7 |
Cycle 1 |
Laboratory procedures |
|
Cycle 2 |
Working scientifically |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Separation techniques |
|
|
Year 8 |
Cycle 1 |
Reactions |
|
Cycle 2 |
Acids and alkalis |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Metals and acids |
|
|
Year 9 |
Cycle 1 |
Atomic structure |
|
Cycle 2 |
Bonding, structure and the properties of matter |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Electrolysis |
|
|
Year 10 |
Cycle 1 |
Quantitative chemistry |
|
Cycle 2 |
The rate and extent of chemical change |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Organic Chemistry: Crude oil |
|
|
Year 11 |
Cycle 1 |
Organic chemistry: Polymers |
|
Cycle 2 |
Using resources |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Using materials (Chemistry only) |
Lower Years Assessment Framework
To view the Lower Years Assessment Framework for Science, please click here
Middle Years Exam and Specification Information
Middle years Triple Science Options: AQA GCSE Chemistry is delivered.
GCSE Chemistry students follow all of units 4.1 – 4.11 found on the GCSE Chemistry Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Chemistry Specification
Middle years Double Science option: AQA Combined Science: Trilogy is delivered
Combined science students follow selected elements of units 5.1 – 5.11 found on the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification
Extra-curricular activities
Enrichment opportunities include the Chemistry Olympiad in year 13, the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge in Year 12 and the Paignton Zoo trip in Year 8.