Chemistry

Powerful Knowledge

Knowledge is taught via sequenced units built on KS4. There is a focus on the 4 strands of our science curriculum - Knowledge, Scientific Literacy, Scientific Numeracy and Practical skills.

Knowledge at KS5 follows the Edexcel specification and particular emphasis is placed on mastering the following concepts

Teaching is focussed on deliberate practice in several contexts to both broaden understanding and build fluency in synoptic assessments.

Inorganic

Structure and bonding in molecules and substances, linking these to physical properties

Redox Reactions

Fluent Chemical Numeracy including a clear understanding of the concept of amount.

Chemical Kinetics including fluent use of graphical and numerical techniques

Organic

Hydrocarbons and Functional groups

Structures and Synthesis including fluent understanding of reaction mechanisms and reagents/conditions needed for functional group conversion, particularly on unfamiliar molecules.

Chemical Tests for functional groups particularly on unfamiliar molecules.

Physical

Atomic structure and the Periodic Table including understanding of orbital interactions..

Energy and Thermodynamics including indirect calculation and the idea of entropy and enthalpy.

Modern spectroscopy including linked analysis

Chemical equilibrium and expressing equilibria mathematically focussing on algebra and logarithmic.

Chemical Numeracy

Understanding of algebraic manipulation.

Fluency of standard form.

Derivation of units.

Graphical skills including tangents and very accurate plotting.

Practical Knowledge

Understand common analytical procedures and safety (including titration).

Evaluate and justify techniques including uncertainty and error.

Confidently select synthesis techniques for organic compounds and purification.

Literacy

We teach new vocabulary using knowledge organisers and low stakes testing of these. Within lessons keywords are regularly provided and use of these directed in longer explanations.

Sequencing clear explanations using retained knowledge and applying understanding from established models to new and novel reactions.

Our teaching focuses on the explicit and accurate use of vocabulary so that meaning is unambiguous.

Students have the opportunity to read more widely than merely a textbook with access to current scientific writings.

School Context

While Stowupland High school is classified by postcode as an urban school we have a strong rural element. Students need horizons widening and explicit links made with a multicultural Britain whilst linking learning to surrounding industry that uses Chemistry. In teaching

West Suffolk Hospital- Modern Spectroscopic techniques

Newmarket Studs - Modern Spectroscopic techniques

ICI - Organic synthesis and polymers

Muntons- Organic reactions of alcohol including enzymes#

Analytical techniques (including titration)

Treatt UK- Organic reactions

Surechem - Titration and ion tests

Gt. Blakenham incinerator - Catalytic chemistry

\Greene King- Organic reactions of alcohol including enzymes

Outreach opportunities

Big Bang

Medical careers conference

London Lectures

CERN visit

Assessment

Students are assessed via

A series of low stakes tests designed to embed factual understanding and rehearse both numerical techniques and sequential answering structure.
Summative end of unit tests designed to showcase how learning from the unit is tested in terminal exams and to provide clear next steps in learning by diagnosing gaps using exam board mark schemes.
Monitoring of practical skills using the CPAC framework against a set of required practical tasks.

Pink feedback sheets are completed alongside students rather than away from students as the developmental dialogue is valuable for learning.

Careers

National

Clinical scientist, biochemistry

Forensic scientist

Nanotechnologist

Pharmacologist

Research scientist (physical sciences)