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Chemistry

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR CHEMISTRY

Chemistry students at Charters School will develop understanding and awareness of the science that surrounds them and how chemical reactions are an integral aspect of their daily lives. They will develop technical expertise with a range of equipment, and knowledge of how science and technology changes society, from forensics to formulations and combustion to climate change. Transferable skills, such as the scientific methods and data analysis, will prepare them with the knowledge needed for their future as an informed citizen, alongside providing strong foundations for a specialised scientific career

This means:

They will learn how theories of the atom developed over time, building on the understanding and research of others, and the importance of scientists working as a community in the pursuit of new knowledge. We will emulate this approach in the classroom.
Students will be aware of how scientific theory links to the varied occupations that use chemistry and to chemistry-specific careers.
Through scientific enquiry they will learn to ask scientific questions and use the extensive practical facilities at Charters to collect data to come to valid conclusions themselves.
They will hold their own point of view about scientific developments and articulate advantages and disadvantages, broadening their awareness through research, debate and discussion.
They will make connections between the scientific principles and theory they learn and the applications of chemistry to everyday life.

SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM

OCR’s A Level in Chemistry A specification aims to support students to:

develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills through the required Practical Activities
develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject through trips to University Chemistry departments, participation in competitions, visits to Industry and work placements
4. understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society by linking teaching to everyday life.

COURSE DETAILS

Content is split into six teaching modules:

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis

The Practical Activities are delivered throughout the course and lead to the Practical Endorsement if students demonstrate competency in the specified Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) used by all exam boards.

KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here

EXAM BOARD: OCR

BE INSPIRED

Take a look around the links below to find out where this exciting subject could lead.

Complementary Subjects

Future Opportunities

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TED TALKS

A Crash Course in Organic Chemistry

Jakob Magolan is here to change your perception of organic chemistry. In an accessible talk packed with striking graphics, he teaches us the basics while breaking the stereotype that organic chemistry is something to be afraid of.

How big is a mole? (Not the animal, the other one.)

The word "mole" suggests a small, furry burrowing animal to many. But in this lesson, we look at the concept of the mole in chemistry. Learn the incredible magnitude of the mole - and how something so big can help us calculate the tiniest particles in the world.

The chemistry of cookies

You stick cookie dough into an oven, and magically, you get a plate of warm, gooey cookies. Except it's not magic; it's science. Stephanie Warren explains via basic chemistry principles how the dough spreads out, at what temperature we can kill salmonella, and why that intoxicating smell wafting from your oven indicates that the cookies are ready for eating.

BOOKS

Molecules of Murder: Criminal Molecules and Classic Cases by John Emsley

This book takes the reader on a journey of discovery into the world of dangerous organic poisons. "Molecules of Murder" describes ten highly toxic molecules which are of particular interest due to their use in notorious murder cases. Each chapter explores the discovery of the molecules, their chemistry and effects in humans, followed by a re-examination of their deliberate misuse in high profile murder cases!

Periodic Tales: The Curious Lives of the Elements by Hugh Aldersey-Williams

Everything in the universe is made of them, including you. Like you, the elements have personalities, attitudes, talents, shortcomings, stories rich with meaning.

Here you'll meet iron that rains from the heavens and noble gases that light the way to vice. You'll learn how lead can tell your future while zinc may one day line your coffin. You'll discover what connects the bones in your body with the Whitehouse in Washington, the glow of a street lamp with the salt on your dinner table.

Bad Science by Ben Goldacre

Since 2003 Dr Ben Goldacre has been exposing dodgy medical data in his popular Guardian column. In this eye-opening book he takes on the MMR hoax and misleading cosmetics ads, acupuncture and homeopathy, vitamins and mankind’s vexed relationship with all manner of ‘toxins’.

Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood by Oliver Sacks

In Uncle Tungsten Oliver Sacks evokes, with warmth and wit, his upbringing in wartime England. He tells of the large science-steeped family who fostered his early fascination with chemistry. There follow his years at boarding school where, though unhappy, he developed the intellectual curiosity that would shape his later life. And we hear of his return to London, an emotionally bereft ten-year-old who found solace in his passion for learning.

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