Fireworks,
food, forensics, fuel and fun
– all aspects of our lives and all controlled by Chemistry.
INTRODUCTION
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Chemistry is "the
science of the elements, their laws of combination and behaviour under
various conditions". That definition comes out of an era in which
many of our current parents were educated, when the emphasis was on
the outcome of reactions between chemicals.
Traditionally the learning process in Chemistry focussed on chemical
observation, together with a lot of rote learning. It was a method-based
approach - methods for preparing organic compounds, methods for determining
molecular masses, and so on. And to many there was much that was tedious.
More recently the emphasis has gradually changed. The whole subject
has become more skills-based - both practical skills, and skills in
application of the ideas - arguably making it now the most intellectually
challenging of the three Sciences.
ACCOMMODATION
Chemistry is taught in two dedicated Laboratories, each fully equipped
for practical work to be carried out either individually or in pairs.
Each Lab. has its own audio-visual equipment and each is linked to
the School network allowing access to the internet.
The Department has a video projector and interactive whiteboard and
makes use of the ICT suite as appropriate.
We are fortunate to be situated at the side of the country’s
most important chemical industries and Universities and full use is
made of their facilities and those of the Catalyst Museum at Widnes.
STAFFING
Our most important resources are the pupils and these are schooled
by Mr N Dunn and Mr P R Whittaker.
Mr N Dunn (Bsc (University of Manchester)
P R Whittaker BSc (Manchester Metropolitan)
CURRICULUM
In Years 7 to 9 we introduce a number of disparate theories and concepts,
but by the time pupils reach GCSE these separate strands begin to inter-relate
into a sort of ‘pyramid’ of ideas, giving a cohesive understanding
of the subject as a whole. At A-level, we don't pick up a whole lot
of new areas, rather we hang more ideas on the same basic framework,
effectively building a bigger ‘pyramid’ over the top, again
aiming by the Upper Sixth at a unified overview of the subject.
At both GCSE and A-level there is a strong bias towards teaching the
fundamental principles of Chemistry, and factual content is reduced
to a minimum, with much reference to textbooks or books of data to
obtain background details. The examination papers therefore focus heavily
on deductions from experimental situations, and correlating or explaining
information either given in the question or obtained from data resources.
Study of Chemistry at A Level leads to a prestigious qualification
for those who wish to study Science based subjects at a higher level.
Teams including Chemists are involved in such fields as the study of
materials, resources, environmental studies, molecular Biology and
genetic engineering. A Chemistry A-level is a pre-requisite for many
professions: Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. A post-16
qualification in Chemistry would add a depth of understanding to future
Lawyers and Legislators need to understand the impact of society on
our environment.
We expect that the students should be able to communicate chemical
concepts logically and concisely orally and in writing. They should
also be able to apply their knowledge and understanding to explain
unfamiliar phenomena. They should also appreciate the relevance of
Chemistry to everyday life and the need for careful controls so that
Chemistry causes no damage to the environment. The use of practical
work should allow them to improve co-ordination, dexterity and confidence
when handling potentially dangerous substances to prepare the students
to undertake further study in Chemistry and closely related subjects.
The Department plays its part in the teaching of Science in Years 7
to 9. We are not bound by the National Curriculum requirements but
adhere to those aspects we feel provide the appropriate background.
To these we add the skills we feel our pupils will need in their future
study of the subject.
EXAMINATIONS
GCSE
At GCSE, the Chemistry strand of the specification is taught with as
much emphasis on practical work as is possible. The coursework element,
based on National Curriculum Attainment Target 1, is assessed partly
in the context of whole scientific investigations, and partly from
other practical work undertaken during the course, which is both internally
and externally moderated. Attainment is calculated from a pupil's best
performance in each of the four skill areas: planning, obtaining evidence,
analysing and considering evidence and evaluating, taken from not more
than two pieces of work. The practical assessment accounts for some
20% of the total marks.
AS/A2 Level
At A-level our pupils study the OCR specification and in the Upper
Sixth we link part of the course to the A-level Biology specification
by considering aspects of Biochemistry. Coursework again plays a significant
role and this is covered in the extensive Lab. work that characterises
the course.
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