Chemistry- the study of matter and the changes it undergoes.
The word Chemistry comes from the Egyptian word kēme (chem) meaning Earth.
Chemistry as we know it today developed from the magical and mysterious study Alchemy, the art of turning base metals into gold. Many pupils still think of Chemistry as a mysterious and difficult subject!
However, Chemistry is all around us. Everything is made up of chemicals – food, fuels, clothes, drugs, cosmetics and yes, even you! Chemistry is involved in almost everything. The life processes that take place in your body are all chemical reactions.
Did you know there are only about 100 naturally occurring elements in the world? Chemists are the people who take these simple substances and transform them into amazing new things. Some work on cures for cancer, some monitor the environment, some discover new materials to make our lives more comfortable and convenient or new textiles for the latest fashions.
Chemistry serves as an interface to nearly all of the other sciences, such as medicine, Biology, Geology, Physics and Engineering.
There are many different branches of chemistry and many professions for which knowledge of Chemistry is essential. These include Biochemistry and Genetic Engineering, Food Science, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Pharmacology, Nanotechnology, Forensics, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Medicine.
Whatever your aims for the future; a GCSE or A level in Chemistry is highly thought of by employers and universities alike.
The Chemistry curriculum at St Anthony´s College.
KS3
At St. Anthony's College Chemistry is studied as part of an integrated Science course in years 7,8 and 9. The scheme of work is based upon the English National Curriculum.
Year 7 Laboratory Safety and Methods, Acids and Alkalis, States of Matter.
Year 8 Rocks, Earth and Air, Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Chemical Reactions.
Year 9 Metals, Salts, Environmental Chemistry.
KS4
Pupils follow the new Edexcel IGCSE course starting from September 2008. This covers five broad areas.
1. Principles of Chemistry – Atomic structure, Bonding, Chemical Calculations
2. Chemistry of the Elements – Groups of the Periodic Table
3. Organic Chemistry – Alkanes, Alkenes, Ethanol
4. Physical Chemistry – States of Matter, Acids and Alkalis, rates of Reaction, Equilibrium
5. Chemistry in Society – Metals, oil and Gas, Plastic, Manufacture of important Chemicals
At the end of the two years students are assessed as follows:
Foundation Tier -Written paper of 1hr 30 mins
Higher Tier -Written paper of 2 hrs
Plus either Written Alternative to Coursework paper 1hr 30 mins or Coursework.
The theory papers are worth 80% and the coursework is worth 20%.
KS5
Students follow the new Edexcel A level course starting from September 2008.
The course comprises of four theory units and two practical units as outlined below:
Unit 1 The Core Principles of Chemistry – Formulae, Equations, Calculations, Structure and Bonding.
Unit 2 Application of Core Principles – Intermolecular forces, Groups 2 and 7, Redox, Rate of Reaction.
Unit 3 Laboratory Skills 1
Unit 4 Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry.
Unit 5 Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry.
Unit 6 Laboratory Skills 2
Examinations are taken in January and June as follows:
Unit 1 – Written paper 1hr 15 mins
Unit 2 – Written paper 1hr 15 mins
Unit 3 – Practical assessments carried out throughout the year
Unit 4 – Written paper 1hr 30 mins
Unit 5 – Written paper 1hr 30 mins
Unit 6 – Practical assessment
Each written paper is worth 20 % of the total A level whilst the practical assessments add the other 20%.
Head of the Department: Mrs. Nicola Green |
