Curriculum description

Our curriculum is based on resources from ‘How Science Works’, previous National Curricula and ‘Oak Academy Science Resources’ that are mapped to the modern national curriculum. We have an emphasis on essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of Chemistry. We have achieved this by including all the key themes of the modern National Curriculum as well as increasing the level of challenge for our highly achieving students by incorporating more of the scientific language and explanations used in further Chemistry, this language forms the basis of Chemistry in GCSE and A Level.

Content

• Particle Model
• Elements, Compounds and Separating Mixtures
• Types of Reactions
• Acids and Alkalis
• Periodic Table & Reactions of Metals
• Earth Structure and Climate
• Earth's Resources

Exam board

AQA 8462 – GCSE Chemistry & AQA 8464 GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy

Description

From the outset, we focus on key principles in Chemistry required to make rapid progress in the discipline.

We have mapped out the required substantive and epistemic knowledge that students will need to understand Chemical concepts as well as sequencing the knowledge and skills in a way that builds confidence and proficiency in Chemistry. We follow the AQA Chemistry Specifications for Separate and Combined Chemistry but look beyond the scope of the specifications by making extensive use of hinterland knowledge to engage and enthuse our students. Where relevant, higher-level content is discussed, to enable students to make links to higher level Chemistry and further ignite their scientific curiosity.

Content

• Atomic structure and the periodic table
• Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
• Quantitative chemistry
• Chemical changes
• Energy changes
• The rate and extent of chemical change
• Organic chemistry
• Chemical analysis
• Chemistry of the atmosphere
• Using resources

Exam board

OCR H432 – A Level Chemistry

Description

A Level Chemistry builds upon the substantive and epistemic knowledge developed at GCSE in two ways, a broader appreciation of the topics and a much deeper and more advanced understanding of the knowledge. Students will very quickly become enthused by their ability to solve complex chemical problems and describe Chemistry using formal scientific vocabulary. The course has been sequenced to enable students to make deep connections between topics as well as build their confidence in the advanced theories they are learning. A Level Chemistry makes use of the OCR Chemistry A specification, following discussions and collaboration with students studying A Level Chemistry, educators made the choice that this course was the best fit to our students because it focusses on key chemical concepts that enable students to feel confident about perusing Chemistry related courses in future, for example, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

Content

• Practical skills
• Atomic Structure Isotopes
• Compounds Formulae Equations
• Amount of Substance
• Acids
• Redox
• Electron Structure
• Bonding and Structure
• Periodicity
• The Halogens
• Qualitative Analysis
• Enthalpy Changes
• Reaction Rates
• Chemical Equilibrium
•  Basic Concepts
• Alkanes
• Alcohols
• Haloalkanes
• Organic Synthesis
• Analytical Techniques
• How Fast?
• How Far?
• Acids, Bases and Buffers
• Lattice Energy
• Enthalpy and Entropy
• Redox and Electrode Potentials
• Transition Elements
• Qualitative Analysis
• Aromatic Compounds
• Carbonyl Compounds
• Carboxylic Acids and Esters
• Amines
• Amino Acids, Amides, Chirality
• Polyesters, Polyamides
• Carbon - Carbon Bond formation
• Synthesis
• Chromatography and Qualitative Analysis
• Spectroscopy

We offer a range of different activities throughout the year, including: 

• STEM Series - guest speakers, such as Skydiamonds and Nick Rockwave Geophysics – Drilling for crude oil
• Rennishaw – STEM workshops
• WISE International Women in Science and Engineering Day – Science challenge
• CREST Award
• Chemistry Olympiad
• Science Club
• Supra Curricular Chemistry
• MedSoc
• Cheltenham Science Festival visit
• Eco committee