Sciences Chemistry
| The Chemistry Department |
|
Chemistry is the study of all substances – what they are made of, how they interact and what role they play in living things. Chemistry provides the opportunities to acquire knowledge and understanding of chemical facts, theories and applications in everyday life.
There are four members of staff in the Chemistry Department: Miss C Stirling (Principal Teacher) Mrs C Campbell Mrs M Elvin (Principal Teacher of Guidance) Mr A Sheffield
Courses: Standard Grade Chemistry : S3-S4 Intermediate 2 Chemistry : S5 or S6 Higher Chemistry : S5 or S6 Advanced Higher Chemistry : S6 Progression in Chemistry
Standard Grade Chemistry The Standard Grade Chemistry course is a 2-year course and consists of General and Credit level outcomes. Most topics last approximately 4 weeks. Assessment is an important feature of our course and end-of-topic tests take place on a regular basis. In addition, there is a S3 exam in April, S4 prelim exam in December and S4 extra prelim in April, prior to exam study leave.
Topic 1 Chemical Reactions Topic 2 Speed of Reactions Topic 1 + 2 Test Topic 3 Atoms and the Periodic Table Topic 4 How Atoms combine Topic 3 + 4 Tests Topic 5 Fuels Topic 6 Hydrocarbons Topic 13 Plastics and Synthetic Fibres Topic 5, 6 + 13 Tests Topic 7 Properties of Substances S3 Exam Topic 8 Acids and Alkalis Topic 9 Reactions of Acids Topic 8 + 9 Tests Topic 10 Making Electricity S4 Prelims Topic 11 Metals Topic 12 Corrosion Topic 10, 11 + 12 Tests Topic 14 Fertilisers Topic 15 Carbohydrates S4 Extra Prelim
Intermediate 2 Chemistry This course is designed for pupils who have achieved general level grades (3 or 4) at Standard Grade Chemistry. It is often possible for pupils who achieve a good pass in this course to progress on to Higher in S6. Alternatively, pupils who have achieved credit level grades (1 or 2) at Standard grade of any other Science, can consider entering the Chemistry Department at this level, followed by Higher in S6. The Intermediate 2 course consists of 3 units: Unit 1 – Building Blocks Unit 2 - The World of Carbon Unit 3 - Chemical Reactions The three Units cover Chemical reactions, Atoms and the Periodic Table, Fuels, Hydrocarbons, Cells, Metals, Plastics and synthetic fibres, Fertilisers, and Carbohydrates. Assessment Every pupil must pass the NAB assessment (Internal Assessment set by the SQA) for each unit. In addition, each pupil will also sit our own ‘ABC’ test for each unit, which contains exam-style questions and will clarify the level that each pupil is working at. Internal assessment of a minimum of one PPA (Prescribed Practical Ability) will also be carried out, although pupils will participate in all other PPAs (9 in total) and produce reports accordingly. Prelims will take place in February, with an Extra Prelim in May, prior to Study leave.
Higher Chemistry Higher Chemistry is a challenging, but rewarding course for many pupils. Pupils who study Higher Chemistry would normally have attained at least an overall grade 2 at Standard Grade level or a pass (A – C) at Intermediate 2.
The Higher course consists of 3 Units: Unit 1 - Energy Matters Assessment Every pupil must pass the NAB assessment (Internal Assessment set by the SQA) for each unit. In addition, each pupil will also sit our own ‘ABC’ test for each unit, which contains exam-style questions and will clarify the level that each pupil is working at. Internal assessment of a minimum of one PPA (Prescribed Practical Ability) will also be carried out, although pupils will participate in all other PPAs (9 in total) and produce reports accordingly. Prelims will take place in February, with an Extra Prelim in May, prior to Study leave. Advanced Higher Chemistry Advanced Higher Chemistry is a course favoured by pupils who intend pursuing a career in Science, and is often a requirement in the fields of Dentistry, Medicine or Veterinary Medicine. Electronic structure This is a 20 hour individual piece of work, involving practical lab work and a detailed report. This is both internally and externally assessed and represents 20% of a pupil’s overall grade. Assessment Every pupil must pass the NAB assessment (Internal Assessment set by the SQA) for each unit. In addition, each pupil will also sit our own ‘ABC’ test for each unit, which contains exam-style questions and will clarify the level that each pupil is working at. Internal assessment of a minimum of one PPA (Prescribed Practical Ability) will also be carried out, although pupils will participate in all other PPAs (12 in total) and produce reports accordingly. Prelims will take place in February, with an Extra Prelim in May, prior to Study leave.
|
