GCSE Chemistry Years 9, 10 & 11
Specification
AQA GCSE Chemistry: The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
What will I study?
The GCSE course consists of 10 general areas of study which are taught as 16 topics over Yr9 to Yr11. You will learn about the world around you and how simple theories help to improve the world around you.
What Skills and Qualities are required?
To be successful at GCSE you need to be hardworking, analytical and resilient. You may not get the answer correct first time of trying but those who persevere will make good progress. You will require imaginative, logical and critical thinking to be able to complete investigative approaches. You will be expected to develop your questioning technique so that you can ask focussed questions to aid the teaching you receive.
How will I learn?
The courses emphasise explanations, theories and modelling in Science along with the implications of Science for society. Strong emphasis is placed on the active involvement of students in the learning process and the specifications encourage a wide range of teaching and learning activities, with particular focus on practical and mathematical skills. You will be provided with home access to an e-book specifically designed with the new examination format in mind as well as having access to traditional textbooks in the classroom.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed via a range of means throughout the course. CAT’s will be completed as per the school’s assessment calendar but you will also have smaller topic tests, weekly homework, quizzes and presentations to complete. You will be expected to actively and sensibly participate in 8 required practical tasks throughout the course.
At the end of the course there will be 2 written examinations worth 100 marks each. These examinations will be made up of a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, extended response, mathematical and practical base.
Where could it lead?
GCSE chemistry naturally leads to A level Chemistry, which is the core A level for Degrees in Chemistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science and Pharmacy. However, it is also a good supporting GCSE for other A levels such as Geology.
Year 09
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 | Topic 4.1 |
Reactivity of metals |
|
| 2 | Topic 4.2 |
Reactions of acids |
|
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 |
Topic 1.1 Topic 1.2 Topic 1.3 |
A simple model of the atom, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotopes The periodic table and its development over time Properties of Group 1, Group 0, Group 7 and transition metals |
|
| 2 |
Topic 2.1 Topic 2.2 |
Chemical bonds: ionic, covalent and metallic How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances |
|
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 |
Topic 2.2 Topic 2.3 |
How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances Structure and bonding of carbon |
|
| 2 |
Topic 2.4 Topic 10 |
Bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles Bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles.Polymers: HDPE, LDPE, cross-linking and plasticizing |
|
Year 10
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 |
Topic 3.1 Topic 3.2 Topic 3.5 |
Conservation of mass and the quantitative interpretation of chemical equation Use of amount of substance in relation to masses of pure substances Use of amount of substance in relation to volumes of gases |
|
| 2 |
Topic 4.1 Topic 4.2 Topic 3.3 Topic 3.4 Topic 4.4 |
Reactivity of metals Reactions of acids Yield and atom economy of chemical reactions Using molar concentrations of solutions Acids, alkalis and titrations |
|
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 |
Topic 4.3 Topic 5.1 Topic 5.2 |
Electrolysis Exothermic and endothermic reactions Chemical cells and fuel cells |
|
| 2 |
Topic 6 Topic 9 |
Rates of reactions; surface area, concentration, temperature, catalysts, graph skills. Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere; Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases; Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources |
|
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Topic 9 |
The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere; Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases; Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources |
|
| 2 |
Topic 10 |
Purification of drinking water and purification of sewage water. Desalination of sea water. Extraction of copper: mining; smelting; electrolysis, phytomining, bioleaching. |
|
Year 11
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 |
Topic 6 Topic 7.1 Topic 7.2 |
Rates and Equilibria Organic chemistry Alkenes & alcohols |
|
| 2 | Topic 7.3 | Synthetic polymers, natural polymers and DNA | |
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 & 2 |
Topic 8.1 Topic 8.2 Topic 10 |
Analysis and chromatography Testing for elements and ions The Earth’s resources. Case studies on the following topics: Properties of aluminium metal Galvanising, sacrificial metals & alloys The Haber process & NPK fertiliser production |
|
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Revision |
Revision |
|
Assessments
| Resources | Topic | Type of assessment |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 1* |
Metals; salts; atomic structure |
Written topic test |
| CAT 2* |
Metals; salts; atomic structure; bonding |
End of year examination |
| CAT 3 |
Topics: moles; gases; structure & bonding (Year 9 topic) |
Test (exam style questions) |
| CAT 4 | Topics 3; 4.1; 4.2 (moles, salts, solutions and titrations, electrolysis) | Test (exam style questions) |
| CAT 5 | All topics covered since Year 9 |
End of year examination |
| CAT 6 |
Kerboodle topics C1-7 & C13 |
2 x 50 minute papers |
| CAT 7 | Kerboodle topics C1-11 & C13 | 1 x 100 mark mock exam paper |
| CAT 8 | Kerboodle topics C8-15 | 2 x 50 minute papers |
*N.B. topic tests will be completed throughout the year which will also count towards CAT scores in a cumulative manner
Main Resources
| Resource | Details | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Text books |
AQA Science Chemistry new GCSE (Oxford University Press) |
All |
| Recommended reading |
GCSE Chemistry AQA revision guide by CGP GCSE Chemistry AQA revision guide (Oxford University Press) |
All |
| Recommended websites | All |
Enrichment opportunities
| Activity | Day and time or term |
|---|---|
| Year 11 Revision sessions | From April |
