Chemistry

Subject Overview

Chemistry underpins many scientific concepts and our curriculum is designed to enable students to learn increasingly complex chemical processes.

The purpose of the work in our department is to support students’ knowledge of the chemical processes that surround us, which we experience in daily lives. From understanding the basic principles of why chemical reactions take place to the wider examination of how our everyday reliance on chemical processes contributes to the phenomena of global warming and climate change, we aim to help students develop both their scientific knowledge and to understand the importance of being a responsible chemist.

By examining these at the atomic, subatomic and molecular level, students will develop a deeper understanding of chemical processes, as well as the associated moral and ethical issues. Alongside this, students will have regular opportunities to develop their practical skills through the completion of scientific investigations. These include:

• Asking scientific questions and drawing on previously learned knowledge to develop hypotheses.
• Planning and carrying out their own investigations including risk assessing the use of chemicals in the lab.
• Selecting the appropriate required equipment.
• Collecting and recording a range of different data sets.
• Evaluating the data in terms of its validity and drawing conclusions.
• Using the correct scientific terminology.

Discussion of careers where a good knowledge of Chemistry is an advantage take place within the learning environment, as we aim to prepare students for life after school.