Chemistry
Science enables us to understand the world around us. Pupils will learn about cells, elements and compounds, waves, acids, electrical circuits and some more local scientific examples such as the Sully Dinosaur. Year 7 will even have the opportunity to consider survival on a desert island as they apply their knowledge to solve problems.
Department:
Miss C Walters - Head of Science Department and Chemistry
Mr D Davies - Head of Physics
Mrs L Downey
Miss L Elena
Mr J Evans
Mrs A Jones
Mr O Jones
Miss C Ormerod - Head of Biology
To contact a member of staff please email post@bromorgannwg.org.uk
Twitter: @gwyddygbm
Extra Activities
- Science Club
- STEM Club
- DNA workshop
- Science in Health live
- Life Sciences Challenge
- Engineering Team Challenge
- Top of the Bench - Royal Society of Chemistry
- Faraday Challenge
“Chemistry combines the academic and practical and opens doors to many areas, not only pure science, but also to areas such as medicine and dentistry. It is also a highly respected and challenging discipline.“
KS4 (Year 10-11)
Pupils are placed in Sets by the Department, based on performance and ability. Three different courses are offered to GCSE pupils, and each set will follow a Science course that is most well suited to the class.
Science course |
Number of GCSEs gained at the end of Year 11 |
Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) |
3 |
Science Double Award |
2 |
Applied Science (Single award) |
1 |
To study at Advanced Level pupils must have a grade ‘B’ or better in that particular Science.
Separate Sciences (‘Triple Science’) GCSE The three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are assessed independently of each other and pupils will be awarded a separate grade for each one.
Written external examination 90% |
When? |
Controlled assessment (practical) 10% |
Chemistry 1 Biology 1 Physics1 80 marks per paper 1hr 45 min per paper. |
End of Year 10 |
30 marks each: one Chemistry assessment one Biology assessment one Physics assessment |
Chemistry 2 Biology 2 Physics2 80 marks per paper 1hr 45 min per paper. |
End of Year 11 |
Every external, written examination is available in two Tiers: Foundation Tier (which allows grades C to G) and Upper Tier (which allows grades A* to E). The Controlled Assessments (practical) are all on the same tier. A good mark in the practical tasks can allow a Foundation Tier candidate to gain a B-grade overall (as long as their written paper marks are good).
Science Double Award The three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are assessed in separate examinations, but marks are combined to give an overall double grade for Science. This course contains less content than the separate sciences course, but pupils are still able to study science at Advanced Level if they have a grade ‘B’ in that particular science.
Written external examination 90% |
When? |
Controlled assessment (practical) 10% |
Chemistry 1 Biology 1 Physics1 60 marks per paper 1hr 15 min per paper |
End of Year 10 |
Pupils will complete two assessments from the following: one Chemistry assessment (30 marks) one Biology assessment (30 marks) one Physics assessment (30 marks) |
Chemistry 2 Biology 2 Physics2 60 marks per paper 1hr 15 min per paper |
End of Year 11 |
Applied Science (Single award) The three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are all integrated in each unit. This course offers more opportunities to conduct practical work, with 30% of the marks awarded for practical tasks. Marks from the following 4 Units are all combined to give an overall grade for Science.
Examination |
When? |
Unit 1 – Science in the modern world 75 marks 1hr 30 min |
External examination at the end of Yr 10 |
Unit 2 – Science to support our lifestyles 75 marks 1hr 30 min. |
External examination at the end of Yr 11 |
Unit 3 – Task based assessment 60 marks |
Practical assessment November-December of Yr 11 |
Unit 4 – Practical assessment 60 marks |
Practical assessment January-February of Yr 11 |
KS5 (Year 12-13)
Entry Requirements:
You should achieve a grade B or above in GCSE Chemistry. You should have sat higher tier papers.
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or form other substances. Many people think of chemists as scientists with a white coat mixing strange fluids in a laboratory, but the truth is that we are all chemists. Understanding the basic concepts of chemistry is important to almost all professions. Chemistry is part of everything in our lives. All existing material is a matter — even our own bodies. Chemistry is about everything that we do, from growing and cooking food to cleaning our homes and our bodies and launching a space shuttle. Chemistry is one of the physical sciences that helps us describe and explain our world.
What will I learn whilst studying Chemistry?
By studying the Chemistry course you will develop an essential knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts and the skills needed for their use in new and changing situations. You will make links between theory and experimentation, appreciating the contributions of chemistry to society and looking at responsible ways of using scientific knowledge and evidence. Lessons will include class presentations, practical tasks, discussion periods, pupil presentations and individual reading and study. You are encouraged to use a wide range of resources including school textbooks, magazines and relevant software as well as the wealth of information available on the Internet.
Course Content:
Year 12 (AS Level)
Unit 1 – The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and simple reactions
Unit 2 – Energy, Rate and Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
Year 13 (A Level) Both of the above units and the following:
Unit 3 – Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
Unit 4 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis
Unit 5 – Practical Examination
Possible Careers:
A Level success is vitally important if you are to continue with a further study in Chemistry or an area such as Medicine, Pharmacy or one of the Biological Sciences. AS/A standard will be of great benefit to those of you with an interest in any scientific field e.g. Engineering, Environment or Geology. The range of skills you develop by following this course can be transferable to all kinds of jobs and a high percentage of people with qualifications in Chemistry move on to work in the fields of banking, accountancy, business management and the information technology sector.
Link to the website of the course :
https://www.cbac.co.uk/qualifications/science/as-a-level/chemistry-as-a-level-2015/?language_id=2