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Compulsory subject

Triple Science: Chemistry

Level: GCSE Examination board: AQA Specification: 8462
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GCSE course outline

Chemistry has something to offer every student to realise their potential. There’s no better way to learn science than through purposeful activities that aid understanding in the following areas:

  1. Atomic structure and the periodic table
  2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
  3. Quantitative chemistry
  4. Chemical changes
  5. Energy changes
  6. The rate and extent of chemical change
  7. Organic chemistry
  8. Chemical analysis
  9. Chemistry of the atmosphere
  10. Using resources

Skills required

Interest in science, basic mathematical skills, ability to plan and investigate, sense of curiosity, ability to work independently and with others, desire to research topic areas at home to extend classroom learning.

Assessment method

Practical skills:

Students complete a set of specific practical investigations throughout the course that demonstrate an understanding of laboratory safety and techniques which will be examined via 15% of the written exam questions addressing their practical knowledge and understanding.

Examinations:

Two examinations are sat at the end of Year 11. Each examination is 1 hour 45 minutes in duration. Students can sit Foundation or Higher Tier for both examinations.

Paper 1: Chapter 1-5, 100 marks, 50% GCSE Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes and Energy changes.

Paper 2: Chapter 6-10, 100 marks, 50% GCSE The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and Using resources.

Both papers include multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions.

Post 16 opportunities and careers

This option links well to the A level science subjects offered in the Sixth Form at LVS Ascot. These subjects provide a basic grounding for students hoping to study specific courses at University or those interested in going straight into industry.

Examples of careers related to studying chemistry are: Medicine, Biomedical and Biochemical Sciences, Forensics and Criminology, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Research, Medical and Cancer Research, Healthcare, Zoology, Marine Science, Geological and Meteorological Sciences, Agriculture, Horticulture, Chemical Engineering.

Chemistry is a hard subject and there is a lot to learn at the start but the more I learnt the more interested I was in the topics. There are so many everyday things that involve chemistry, I will definitely think about doing A level! Andrew

Get in touch

For more information contact the Head of Chemistry.

Name: Mr Peter Unitt

Email: Peter.Unitt@lvs.ascot.sch.uk