What in the world isn’t Chemistry?

Everything you touch or use has been discovered, improved or tested by a Chemist.

Chemistry is the study of the material world; it underpins every aspect of our lives, from the pharmaceuticals we use to heal, to the plastics that surround us.  As Scientists we endeavour to instil an appreciation of the consequences of the actions of Man on the environment in which we live.

The study of Chemistry enables girls to develop a logical approach to problems and the ability to apply concepts and rules to novel situations.  Through practical investigation the girls extend their observational, deductive and manipulative skills.

Curriculum

UIII     Safety and the Bunsen burner; Elements; Compounds and Mixtures; Air;Solvents, Solutes and Solutions; Separation of Mixtures; Water

LIV     Acids, Alkalis and pH; Types of Reaction; Oxidation and Combustion; Air Pollution;Natural Resources; Cross-curricular project

UIV     Atomic Structure; Chemical Formulae; Inorganic Chemical Analysis; Balancing Equations;Metals and their Chemistry; Rates of Reaction

In LV and UV, we offer both Dual Award Science and Separate Chemistry Edexcel IGCSE.

LV       Topics include Periodic Table; Chemical Bonding; Structure and Properties; Electrolysis;Extraction of Metals; Organic Chemistry; Energy Changes in Reactions.

UV       Topics include Quantitative Chemistry; Acidity, Alkalinity and Neutralisation; Chemical Analysis; Equilibria; Industrial Processes.

We follow the Edexcel AS and A2 courses in the sixth form.

Outline of topics studied at AS:

Unit 1

Atomic structure; Formulae, Equations and Moles; Structure and Bonding; The Periodic Table, in particular Groups 1, 2 and 7; Introduction to Reduction and Oxidation.

Unit 2

Energetics involving Hess’s Law; an Introduction to Organic Chemistry including Alkanes, Alkenes and Alcohols; Qualitative Kinetics and Chemical Equilibria; Industrial Inorganic Chemistry.

Unit 3

Practical skills including titration, chemical analysis, planning experiments and an introduction to organic methods.

Outline of topics studied at A2:

Unit 4

Energetics; Chemical Periodicity; Qualitative Chemical Equilibria; Organic Chemistry including Halogenoalkanes, Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Carbonyls, Acid Chlorides and Nitrogen compounds.

Unit 5

Redox Equilibria; Transition Metals; Further Organic Chemistry including Aromatic compounds, Analysis, Synthesis and Application; Quantitative Kinetics; Acid-Base Equilibria.

Unit 6

Developing practical skills gained in the AS course, with particular attention to organic practical methods such as recrystallisation and further organic and inorganic analysis.

Staff Comments

Chemistry is a highly abstract subject and consequently can be difficult to deliver and understand.  The “buzz” gained by presenting a potentially very complex topic to a class, that then feeds off your enthusiasm and stays with you until understanding is reached, is second to none.

A magical subject to teach.

Giving pupils an awareness of the Chemistry of environmental issues and how they then relate to looking after the planet.

Clarence Comment

Solving problems theoretically can be challenging but there is nothing more satisfying than carrying out the corresponding experiment and getting the right answer.

Some of the theory is quite challenging – but it’s all worth it when a practical works out perfectly – the results can be pretty amazing, like the silver mirror precipitate!

Chemistry A level can be quite challenging but the Chemistry teachers are so supportive it makes everything so much easier.