Science - Chemisty
Back to Subjects MenuWhat is it to be a Chemist at BCHS?
Being a chemist is about focussing on the properties of chemical substances and how they react with eachother as well as measuring the effects of chemical compounds in various situations. Chemistry is important in everything you do
You will find out about the world around you, developing practical skills, maths skills and knowledge that will be transferable across all sciences.
Being a Chemist is about visualising physical and chemical processes and relating observable phenomena to underlying processes.
You will develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other
Practical work is an essential part of chemistry. You will take part in laboratory investigations and use these the improve understanding in both physical and organic chemistry.
You will find out about the world around you, developing practical skills, maths skills and knowledge that will be transferable across all sciences.
KS4 Overview
Being a Chemist is about visualising physical and chemical processes and relating observable phenomena to underlying processes.
You will develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other
Practical work is an essential part of chemistry. You will take part in laboratory investigations and use these the improve understanding in both physical and organic chemistry.
You will find out about the world around you, developing practical skills, maths skills and knowledge that will be transferable across all sciences.
Year 9 overview
In Year 9 you will begin your study of the GCSE Chemistry topics. Across the year you will learn about:
- Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Bonding, Structure and Properties of Matter
- Quantitative Chemistry
- Chemical changes – Reactivity of metals, Acids and Bases and Electrolysis.
This will cover most of the Chemistry Paper 1 content.
Year 10 overview
In year 10 you complete Paper 1 content and then learn about the topics needed for paper two of the Chemistry GCSE paper.
This includes:
Paper 1 Energy Changes
Paper 2 The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change Organic Chemistry
Chemical Analysis
Chemistry of the Atmosphere.
Year 11 overview
In Year 11 you will complete Paper 2 content with topics
Using Resources and Key Ideas. You will then focus on developing mastery of the topics from years 9 and 10.
Students will focus on higher level understanding and application of their knowledge of different scenarios within exam style questions. They will repeat required practical experiments and look into different ways of completing these, honing practical and maths skills while linking Chemistry theory to each experiment.
Subject Overview - Sixth Form
Year 12 overview
Year 12 will cover the first four modules of the course, outlined below:
Module 1: Development of Practical Skills
Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry
Module 3: Periodic Table and Energy
Module 4: Core Organic Chemistry and Analysis.
You will also complete at least 6 required practical tasks (PAGs) that contribute to your practical skills qualification.
Year 13 overview
In year 13 you will cover the remaining two modules
Module 5: Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements
Including Units: Rates, equilibrium and pH; Energy and Transition Metals
Module 6: Organic Chemistry and Analysis
Consisting of Units: Aromatic compounds, carbonyls and acids; Nitrogen compounds, polymers and synthesis and Analysis.
You will also complete the remaining required practical tasks (PAGs) that make up the practical skills qualification.
Enrichment
KS4
Practical work is a major part of chemistry and there is a big focus on practical techniques within lesson. Students also have the option to join STEM Club where they build on their knowledge from lessons.
The Royal Society of Chemistry holds a Chemistry week, during which we hold competitions and activities for students to take part in.
Students are encouraged through homework and tasks to get out into their surroundings and develop their understanding of the chemical world around them.
KS5
Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to enhance their studies. There will be a particular focus on practical work. There will also be the potential to attend Science Live lectures, tailored specifically to the A-level course.
How do we contribute to PHSEE, British Values and SMSC?
KS4
Students learn about the importance of different scientists and their discoveries as well as how chemical processes effect our everyday lives, such treating water to make it drinkable.
Student will debate the ethical issues concerning chemical research, whereby they will need to consider the opinions and religions of others to come up with a valid evaluation and conclusion.
KS5
Students will get an insight into the impact that the use of organohalogen compounds has had on the world around us and will discuss the use of polymers in our everyday lives and how this is affecting our planet, considering recycling options and alternatives.
Students will also look at how the synthesis of optical isomers effect the bodies response to a particular drug.
What careers does Chemistry support?
The major fields of employment include Engineering, Education, Healthcare, Medical Research and Pharmaceuticals
Students intending to take up careers in medicine, dentistry, food science, veterinary science, pharmacy, materials science, forensics, and teaching or research.
The subject also has links with maths, physics and biology making the course suitable for a wide range of engineering and research careers.
