Chemistry

Chemistry is an essential aspect of our lives, our world and of our education and it is absolutely fascinating! Think of the social, environmental and economic importance of chemistry – it’s everywhere!

Have you ever thought of where an enhanced understanding of chemistry may lead you? There are many careers open to those who take the subject right through to A-level and on to university.

In the Clayesmore chemistry department we aim not just to educate you but to fascinate you with the subject and we hope that it will become as interesting to you as it has to those of us lucky enough to be teaching it to you.

All Clayesmore pupils study chemistry through to the end of year 11. The most able science pupils in years 10 and 11 take it as a subject in its own right, whilst a further three groups take it as part of the GCSE Science and Additional Science syllabuses that we follow. They are both really good courses and we are enjoying using them very much.

The principle aims of the AQA A-level course are to:

  • Develop a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of Chemistry to provide a pathway to further study;
  • Ensure that learning is enjoyable, and enhance a candidate’s enthusiasm for Chemistry;
  • Develop skills in making observations and measurements and analysing and evaluating results.

At AS-level, in the Lower Sixth form, candidates are given a solid grounding in foundation Chemistry. Our work at this level includes:

  • Particles, composition of the nucleus, isotopes and use of the mass spectrometer
  • Calculating the amount of substance
  • Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding and intermolecular forces
  • The construction of the periodic table
  • Organic chemistry
  • Alkanes from crude oil
  • Collision theory and effect
  • Definitions of oxidation and reduction
  • Redox properties of halogens and halide ions
  • The extraction of metals
  • Haloalkanes and alkenes

At A2 syllabus for the Upper Sixth develops the concepts of physical chemistry introduced at AS-level. Candidates now study kinetics, equilibria, organic chemistry and spectroscopic techniques to determine the molecular formulae and structures of organic compounds. Topics and areas of study include:

  • Acids and bases
  • Nomenclature and isomerism in organic chemistry
  • Compounds containing the carbonyl group
  • Amines; base properties and nucleophilic properties
  • Polymers
  • Organic synthesis and analysis
  • Thermodynamics
  • Periodicity; reactions of Period 3 elements
  • Redox equilibria
  • General properties of transition metals