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
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
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