Name of Head of Department
Mr P Edwards BSc (Hons), PGCE
Statement of Intent
The science curriculum at DHSG is designed to support our learners in their development to become scientifically literate citizens of the 21st century. We aim to engage their curiosity; to help them learn how to ask the right questions about the world around them and the society we live in. We will support them in developing the skills and knowledge required to investigate their questions and then to interpret and critically evaluated the answers they find. We achieve this through the study of the three traditional scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, all of which are underpinned by practical principles and investigation and will include learning about how scientists work.
We ensure that students have a firm scientific knowledge and skill base to progress with confidence through the Key Stages and finally progress into the wider world with the scientific tools required to pursue their individually chosen further study and future career pathways. We will teach our students how to use mathematics in science and not assume the transference of maths skills whilst ensuring our curriculum is assessable to all.
Chemistry is the branch of science where learners explore and gain understanding:
- of the composition, behaviour, and properties of matter;
- of the origins and development of the Earth and its atmosphere;
- of the role of chemists in and the use and development of existing materials, and design of new materials and their impacts on society, the economy, and the environment.
This is achieved at each Key Stage:
- KS3: Adherence to the National Curriculum for Science (Chemistry);
- KS4: AQA GSCE Chemistry or AQA Combined Sciences Trilogy (Chemistry);
- KS5: OCR Chemistry A .
Key stage 3 (Year 7 and 8)
Years 7 and 8 are divided into four units each. In year 7, Particles and their behaviour, Acids and alkalis, Separation techniques and The Earth. In year 8, Reactions, Metals and acids, The Periodic table and New technology.
Key stage 4 (Year 9, 10 and 11)
KS4 Triple Science Options: AQA GCSE Chemistry is delivered.
GCSE Chemistry students follow all of units 4.1 – 4.11 found on the GCSE Chemistry Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Chemistry Specification
KS4 Double Science option: AQA Combined Science: Trilogy is delivered
Combined science students follow selected elements of units 5.1 – 5.11 found on the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification
Curriculum Programmes of Study
|
Year |
Cycle | Content |
|---|---|---|
|
Year 7 |
Cycle 1 |
Laboratory procedures |
|
Cycle 2 |
Working scientifically |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Separation techniques |
|
|
Year 8
|
Cycle 1 |
Reactions |
|
Cycle 2 |
Acids and alkalis |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Metals and acids |
|
|
Year 9 |
Cycle 1 |
Atomic structure |
|
Cycle 2 |
Bonding, structure and the properties of matter |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Electrolysis |
|
|
Year 10 |
Cycle 1 |
Quantitative chemistry |
|
Cycle 2 |
The rate and extent of chemical change |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Organic Chemistry: Crude oil |
|
|
Year 11 |
Cycle 1 |
Organic chemistry: Polymers |
|
Cycle 2 |
Using resources |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Using materials (Chemistry only) |
Extra-curricular activities
Enrichment opportunities include the Chemistry Olympiad in year 13, the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge in Year 12 and the Paignton Zoo trip in Year 8.
