Chemistry
The Chemistry Department aims to help all its pupils to achieve their full potential in each aspect of their development in chemistry academically, personally and socially. In order to achieve these aims, we enable pupils to: see chemistry in the context of a wider body of knowledge and skills; understand and use scientific method, with safety being a major consideration; develop an awareness of the implications of chemistry for the individual, the community and the environment; and allow pupils to develop informed opinions and to be able to support them by reasonable arguments.
SI
The SI course, which is related to everyday life, develops knowledge and understanding of the chemistry of solutions, gases, acids, alkalis and neutralisation. This involves pupils developing a range of practical skills; in addition they will focus on problem solving. Throughout the year pupils have the opportunity to work individually on projects and to work in various groups for practical purposes. Assessment covers two elements, Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving. They are assessed through topic tests consisting of written and multiple choice questions.
SII
The second year Chemistry course enables pupils to acquire knowledge and understanding of chemical reactions and the speed at which they develop as well as atoms and the periodic table. The scientific context relates to everyday life and through this pupils develop a range of practical skills and an ability to problem solve. Throughout the year pupils have the opportunity to work individually and in groups during practical work.
SIII-SIV Standard Grade
Standard Grade Chemistry is a course which makes the pupils aware of the application of chemistry in everyday life. The course also aims to develop the skills necessary to find solutions to problems and develop their investigative and practical skills. In Chemistry the overall grade is determined by giving Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving double the weighting of Practical Ability.
SV/SVI Higher
The Higher Chemistry course consists of three units: Energy Matters; The World of Carbon; and Chemical Reactions. The course extends the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural environments and the development of problem solving associated with scientific enquiry beyond Standard Grade. The practical skills are developed by carrying out prescribed practical activities which are assessed in the examination.
SVI Advanced Higher
The Advanced Higher course consists of four units: Electronic Structure and Periodic Table; Principles of Chemical Reactions; Organic Chemistry; and Chemical Investigation. The course develops the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural environments. The course builds on the Higher, developing further the underlying theories of chemistry and the practical skills used in the chemical laboratory. The Chemical Investigation develops the skills of independent study and research and is assessed externally.