KS4 Chemistry

In KS4 we follow the AQA GCSE specifications. Pupils can follow either the combined science course or separate sciences. The new GCSE specification does not have a coursework unit. The final grade comes entirely from 2 exams at the end of year 11. The practical aspect of the course comes from the required practical activities set by the exam board that form part of the content. Questions relating to these practical tasks will make up at least 15% of the marks in the final examinations.

Year 9

In year 9 pupils will begin learning about rates of reaction. During this topic, students will develop their understanding by completing investigative work and developing their practical skills. They will also learn about the structure of atoms and how elements are arranged in the Periodic table.

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3
Rates of reaction, how to measure rate, how different factors affect the rate of a reaction: Temperature, concentration, surface area and the use of a suitable catalyst, rate of reaction graphs, calculating the rate of a reaction from a graph. Atoms, elements and compounds, mixtures, the development of the model atom, relative electrical charges of subatomic particles, size and mass of atoms, relative atomic mass, electronic structure and the history and development of the periodic table. Metals and non-metals, the behaviour of metals and alloys and their structure and bonding, formation of ions and the reactivity of Group 1, group 7 or group 0 based on this.

 Homework

A variety of tasks are set as homework in chemistry from research, exam questions, key word definitions, revision, extended writing, and topic worksheets amongst others.

Other Useful Information

GCSE specification link:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462

GCSE Past papers link: http://www.aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/exams-guidance/find-past-papers-and-mark-schemes

5 ways I can help my child

1 Ensure that they complete their homework

2

Ensure that they know when assessments are taking place and are doing the necessary revision for them

3

Ensure that they use their PLCs (personal learning checklists) in order to self-check what they have covered in the specification
4 Ensure that they use their PLCs when revising

5

Ensure that they are using the AQA website to download, and complete, as many past papers as possible

Year 10 – AQA GCSE Chemistry

All pupils will continue to study the same topics in year 10, however the depth of knowledge will vary depending on if they have chosen to study it as the separate GCSE course or as part of the combined science GCSE.

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Revision of Atomic structure and the Periodic Table

Bonding structure and the properties of matter

Chemical changes

Chemical changes

Quantitative Chemistry

Energy Changes

 

The rate and extent of chemical change

Homework

A variety of tasks are set as homework in chemistry from research, exam questions, key word definitions, revision, extended writing, and topic worksheets amongst others.

Other Useful Information

GCSE specification link:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462

GCSE Past papers link: http://www.aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/exams-guidance/find-past-papers-and-mark-schemes

5 ways I can help my child

1 Ensure that they complete their homework
2 Ensure that they know when assessments are taking place and are doing the necessary revision for them

3

Ensure that they use their PLCs (personal learning checklists) in order to self-check what they have covered in the specification
4 Ensure that they use their PLCs when revising

5

Ensure that they are using the AQA website to download, and complete, as many past papers as possible

Year 11 – AQA GCSE Chemistry

Year 11 continue where they left off in Year 10 and complete the final units of the course. We always strive to complete the course as early as possible, to maximise the time available for revision in class, in front of a teacher. During the revision sessions, towards the end of Year 11, teachers focus on practical skills, fundamental knowledge, links between topics and exam technique. Throughout the year, students also continue to complete their required practical work.

 

At the end of the course there are two external exams. The first exam features units 1-5 and the final exam features mainly units 6-10 but, by this stage, students are expected to be able to answer questions on any aspect of the course.

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Quantitative Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Using resources

Revision of Chemistry of the Atmosphere

Revision

Homework

A variety of tasks are set as homework in chemistry from research, exam questions, key word definitions, revision, extended writing, and topic worksheets amongst others.

Other Useful Information

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462 

GCSE Past papers link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462/assessment-resources?f.Sub-category%7CF=Sample+papers+and+mark+schemes

5 ways I can help my child

1 Ensure that they complete their homework

2

Ensure that they know when assessments are taking place and are doing the necessary revision for them

3

Ensure that they use their PLCs (personal learning checklists) in order to self-check what they have covered in the specification
4 Ensure that they use their PLCs when revising

5

Ensure that they are using the AQA website to download, and complete, as many past papers as possible