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Chemistry

Departmental Aims

The Chemistry Department aims to play its part as fully as possible in implementing Sullivan Upper’s fundamental aim as stated in the school’s Curriculum Policy Statement i.e. to ‘provide for all its pupils the opportunities to acquire and develop to the greatest extent possible the knowledge understanding, skills and abilities that will enable them to realise their full potential, do justice to their diverse talents and prepare them to lead rewarding and productive adult lives’.

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To this end, the department seeks through both individual and group activities in a study of the chemical elements, reactions and principles, to develop experimental skills together with understanding, logical thinking and communication skills. More specifically Chemistry aims to:

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  • stimulate an enjoyable interest in the subject;

  • provide a body of knowledge relevant to both those who intend to continue with the study of Chemistry and to those who do not;

  • promote an understanding of chemical patterns and principles;

  • develop an appreciation of both the benefits and potential hazards of chemicals and their use;

  • encourage the application of knowledge and understanding to unfamiliar situations;

  • develop abilities of interpretation, organisation and evaluation of data together with its communication;

  • teach positive cooperation with others through group experimental work;

  • develop an appreciation of the scientific, social, economic, environmental and technological contribution of chemistry and its applications;

  • give some appreciation to the historical significance of chemistry in world development.

Staff

Mrs S P McKeown (Head of Department)
Miss J A Chambers
Mrs D E Maynes
Mrs A C Waterworth 
Mr J N Collins (Technician)

Facilities

Chemistry is taught in 4 specialist laboratories. These provide excellent facilities and offer wide opportunities for the use of ICT both in teaching and in experimental work.

Key Stage 3

In Year 8, a general Science course is taught over 5 periods per week covering the topics Beginning to be a Scientist, States of Matter, Acids & Alkalis, Reproduction & Earth in the Solar System.

In Years 9-10, Chemistry is taught in a double period per week. Topics covered include:
 

  • An Introduction to Chemistry

  • Elements

  • Compounds

  • Mixtures

  • Heat Changes

  • Rates of Reaction

  • Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table

  • Gases in Air

  • Metals

  • Formulae and Equations

GCSE Chemistry

The GCSE Chemistry course involves the study of some of the common chemical elements and their compounds. Many general chemical principles are introduced and pupils are taught to apply their knowledge and understanding of these in a variety of situations. Emphasis is placed on the everyday applications of Chemistry along with industrial processes and environmental issues.

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Examination Board: CCEA

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Course Content: 3 externally examined Units   

Unit 1: Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis

Unit 2: Further Chemical Reactions, Rates and Equilibrium, Calculations and Organic Chemistry

Unit 3: Practical Skills 

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Please refer to the Subject Choice for GCSE Information Booklet for further information on full course details and criteria for entry.

GCE Chemistry

The Chemistry Department in Sullivan seeks both to teach the essential principles of Chemistry and to equip pupils with relevant experimental skills. Every year quite a large number of pupils go on to study Chemistry at AS or A level either with a view to pursuing a scientific career, as a necessary step to university courses such as Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy, or simply because they enjoy the subject.

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Examination Board: CCEA

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Course Content:

3 externally marked AS modules are studied in Year 13 and the examinations taken in the summer of that year. 3 externally marked A2 modules are covered in Year 14 and the examinations again taken in the summer.          

                                                                                

AS 1: Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry

AS 2: Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and an introduction to Organic Chemistry

AS 3: Basic Practical Chemistry

A2 1: Further Physical and Organic Chemistry

A2 2: Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry

A2 3: Further Practical Chemistry

Please refer to the Subject Choice for AS/A Level Information Booklet for further information on full course details and criteria for entry.

Homework

Years 9-10

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Each week, ensure all classwork including experimental write- up is complete and read over class notes. On occasion an additional homework such as researching a topic may be set.


Thorough revision is expected for end of topic tests which are set every 4-6 weeks.

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Years 11-12

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Typically one written homework per week is set which focuses on examination style questions .

In addition, ensure all classwork including experimental write-ups is complete and read over notes.

Thorough revision is expected for end of topic tests  which are set every 3-4 weeks.

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Years 13-14

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A-level students are expected to work at home and in study between every lesson. This should include, but is not limited to, completing and reviewing all work set in class.

Each topic will also include a formal homework in the form of a booklet of past paper questions.

At the end of each topic (varying length), thorough revision is expected for the end of topic test.

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