Chemistry
Chemistry (noun): the branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances.
We believe there are three reasons for studying Chemistry:
- It’s a fun subject!
Children are naturally curious, and the sciences allow us to experiment and see what happens. Curiosity and discovery are a HUGE part of science, and what we did as kids was just that!
- It answers complex questions
By learning the basics of chemistry, we learn more about life and the world around us. It even helps us to understand current events such as what pollution is, the effects of climate change on the environment, and the pros and cons of technological advantages.
- It helps you to learn objective reasoning and problem-solving skills
The scientific method is the process of objectively establishing facts through testing and experimentation. The basic process involves making an observation, forming a hypothesis, making a prediction, conducting an experiment and finally analyzing the results.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-8)
At Key Stage 3 students follow a general Science curriculum to introduce them to using scientific equipment and to give a general grounding in the subjects. Single Subject GCSE courses commence in Year 9.
Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11 GCSE)
Students study the AQA (8462) Chemistry specification at GCSE. Most students sit the Higher Tier papers, although some students will sit Foundation Level examinations. Booster sessions are implemented to support learning during the summer term of Year 10.
Topics studied include:
- Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding & Properties of Structures
- Formula and equations
- Chemical calculations
- Organic chemistry
- Natural and synthetic polymers
- Trends in the periodic table
- Extracting metals and raw materials
- Atmospheric chemistry
- Energy changes
- The rate of chemical reactions
- Chemical industries
- Chemical analysis
- Acids and bases
Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13 A Level)
Students are required to have gained at least a grade 7 in Chemistry GCSE or Double Award Science to be eligible to take this course at A Level
The Chemistry department at DCGS follows the AQA (7405) specification. The AQA specification has been designed as a stepping stone to future study. The course aims to inspire students while laying the groundwork for further learning. With significant mathematical content in the specification, we strongly advise that students considering taking any of the science subjects to A level should be aiming to achieve a minimum of GCSE grade 7 in all their Sciences and Mathematics.
Chemistry at A level is a combination of practical and theoretical work relevant to everyday materials and situations. An understanding of Chemistry offers an ability to explain how the world around us works and solve challenging problems through the accurate collection and analysis of data. It is a constantly evolving subject that presents new challenges, rewards and opportunities to those who study it.
Alongside the A level qualification, Chemistry students also study for a practical endorsement. This is independent of the A level qualification but is extremely helpful to those students who wish to pursue future studies or careers that involve laboratory based practicals. To pass the practical endorsement students must undertake 14 required practicals and pass 11 practical competencies. Students must be able to carry out experimental procedures methodically, assessing risks, recording accurate observations and making adjustments where necessary.
Areas of study include:
- Physical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
A Level Chemistry Specification
Co-curricular activities
- Science Club (year 7)
- Year 8 trip to the Science Museum
- GCSE trip to Science Live!
- A level trip to Chemistry Live!
- Chemistry Olympiad (affiliated to the Royal Society of Chemistry)
- Schools’ Analyst Competition (affiliated to the Royal Society of Chemistry)
- Medics Society (VI Form)