Year 9

Name of topic

Key Content of the Topic

Assessment points

HT 1

Acids, alkalis, salts and precipitates

General chemical techniques, eg thermal

Students learn techniques that develop accuracy and precision.  They extend their use of word and symbol equations.

HT 2

Knowledge of acids is applied to environmental issues such as acid rain.

Students are given a topic on reaction rate that allows the teaching of planning, risk assessment and which develops the skills needed to properly analyse and evaluate practical work.

End of term exam

HT 3

Study of foundation Chemistry. The Periodic Table.

In January of Y9 we begin the GCSE course as we have finished the relevant Key Stage 3 requirements.  In this term we study Unit 1 of the AQA Separate Chemistry GCSE.  This allows us to review and extend the work originally done in Y7 and Y8.

Being a selective school, our students cope well with the KS3 content, and we get through it quite fast.  There is no point marking time when we can use the extra time generated in Y10 and 11 to extend practical tasks to include and develop analytical and evaluation skills

HT 4

Throughout Year 9 teaching, we ensure that the content covered is common to both the Separate and ‘Dual Award’ science GCSE courses

HT 5

The Periodic Table; its development and use.

Atmosphere

We finish the study of unit 1 before the Y9 exam.  Following feedback from the exam, we teach Unit 9 on the ‘Chemistry of the Atmosphere’.

Trial Exam

HT 6

Should any time allow, teachers will focus on practical skills to interest and extend knowledge.

Assessment of GCSE topics covered so far.

Name of topic

Key Content of the Topic

Assessment points

HT 1

Ionic compounds and bonding

Following revision of unit 1, we teach the ionic bonding content of unit 2.  We also teach Electrolysis that is found later in the syllabus to give some practical and investigative work.

HT 2

Electrolysis, covalent compounds and bonding and metals

Following completion of electrolysis topic, we look at covalent compounds and giant covalent lattices. 

The study of metals involves structure, reactivity, extraction and alloying.  Teachers also consider environmental issues.

End of term assessment prior to Christmas grades

HT 3

Analysis and energy

In this term we are aiming to complete units 8 and 5.  Details in syllabus.

HT 4

Energy and Y10 Revision

Finish this terms content and move onto revision for the Y10 exams at the end of term.

HT 5

Carbon Chemistry

From the extraction of crude oil to the uses and extraction of compounds within the mixture.

Trial Exam

HT 6

Carbon, environmental impact and Life cycle analysis

It’s a big topic with ample opportunity for students to revise unit 9 and consider wider environmental issues associated with combustion and disposal of materials.

End of year assessment

Name of topic

Key Content of the Topic

Assessment points

HT 1

The Mole

Chemical calculations

HT 2

Acids

More calculations followed by acids topic before revision.  If time allows.

Y11 mock

HT 3

Rate/Equilibria

This is unit 6 on the syllabus

HT 4

Tidy up

Staff use these last weeks to link ideas across the syllabus and tidy up any loose ends that are not covered within the larger topics such as water, fertilisers and others

HT 5

Finish tidy up and revision

A good deal of time is spent going over exam technique, past papers and the skills necessary to reach their potential.

HT 6

NA

Staff are always available to give Chemistry help and support.

GCSE exams