Chemistry is the study of materials, what they are made of, how they interact and what role they play in living things.  From the moment you are born and throughout your whole life you are surrounded by chemistry; in the air you breathe, the food you eat and the clothes you wear.  From space research to the depths of the oceans, chemists are involved in collecting valuable information that helps us to have a better understanding of the world we live in.  Chemists are working to solve the problems we face every day.

Enrichment

Endeavour is the name of Fort Pitt’s very own brilliant STEM after-school enrichment club. Open to all, club members are challenged both physically and mentally by the plethora of hands-on activities laid on for them, ranging from the edible to the explosive!

All the activities are loosely based on scientific themes such as cosmetic chemistry, forensic investigation, construction, space science and incredible chemistry, with plenty of opportunities to diversify and explore various different aspects of STEM.

The club meets in Lab 3 every Thursday at 3.03 and finishes around 4.15, sometimes later.

trips and events

We offer our Chemistry students golden opportunities to experience some amazing chemistry experiences led by eminent scientists, each expert in their field. Examples include:

Science Week Activities         Years 7, 8, 9, 10          March

Chemistry at Work                  Year 8                         July

Science Enrichment Day        Year 9                         June

Chemistry in Action               Year 12                       Nov / Feb

Chemistry of Conservation     Years 12&13               March

Spectroscopy Day                   Years 12 & 13             July

These events offer students the opportunities to appreciate the place of chemistry in everyday life and the world of work, with particular emphasis on cutting edge developments.  The aim is to showcase chemical sciences as exciting, interesting and wealth-creating activities that are worth considering as a career.

Subject Leader: Mr N Blight (nblight@fortpitt.medway.sch.uk)

Curriculum Content

Key Stage 3

At KS3 we follow a scheme of learning designed to support the content covered at KS4 and engage students through varied practical work. Students are taught science in KS3 by rotating through chemistry, biology and physics topics. Thinking and questioning is actively encouraged. Students have 6 lessons of science per fortnight.

Topics studied are:

YEAR 7

• Chemistry: Particles, Elements Atoms and Compounds, Reactions, Acids and Alkalis.
• Biology: Cells, Body Systems, Reproduction.
• Physics: Forces, Sound, Light.

YEAR 8

• Chemistry: The Periodic Table, Separation Techniques, Metal and Materials, The Earth.
• Biology: Health and Lifestyle, Ecosystems, Adaptation and Inheritance, Cellular Processes.
• Physics: Space, Electricity and Magnetism, Energy, Momentum and Pressure.

ASSESSMENT

Student progress is assessed throughout the year. During each topic, students receive an assessed piece of levelled home learning and an end of topic quiz.  In addition to this, year 7 will take 5 application based 1 hour exams over the year. Year 8 will take 6 application based exams to help prepare them for the GCSE.

Key Stage 4 – Chemistry Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Chemistry (1CH0)

Exam board: Edexcel

KS4 Chemistry prepares students for the rigours of the A-level course, affording them a firm foundation on which to build their chemical ideas.

Year 9

• C1 States of matter
• C2 Separating and purifying substances
• C3 Atomic structure
• C4 The periodic table
• C5 Ionic Bonding
• C6 Covalent bonding
• C7 Types of substance
• C8 Acid Reactions & Solubility
• C9 Chemistry Calculations including the mole
• C10 Electrolytic processes

 Year 10

• C11 Obtaining and using metals
• C13 Transition metals, alloys and corrosion
• C14 Quantitative analysis
• C12 Reversible reactions and equilibria
• C15  Dynamic Equilibrium
• C16 Chemical cells & fuel cells
• C17 Groups in the Periodic Table
• C18 Rates of reaction
• C19 Heat energy changes in reactions

Year 11

• C20 Fuels & C23 Hydrocarbons
• C21 Earth & Atmosphere Review
• C22 Tests for Ions
• C24 Polymers
• C25 Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids
• C26 Bulk Properties

Key Stage 5 – Chemistry AS – 8CH0    Full A-level – 9CH0

Exam board: Edexcel

Chemistry is a preferred subject for the degree level study of more courses than any other subject.  Chemistry is essential or highly recommended for the following careers: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary science, Food science, Forensics and Biochemistry.  In fact, there are chemists working in every field imaginable – from military logistics to accountancy in the City.

Year 12

The AS course / Year 1 of A-level is divided up into 10 topics and taught by two members of staff.

AS Assessment (8CH0)

The topics are assessed in the following way:

Year 13

Year 2 of A-level is divided up into 10 topics and taught by two members of staff.

Full A-level Assessment

The topics are assessed in the following way: