Chemistry

Chemistry explores the elements that make up everything around us, revealing its influence on our daily lives. It develops a range of thinking, practical, and investigative skills while introducing core chemical concepts.

At Westbourne, pupils begin their study of Chemistry in Key Stage 3, with one lesson per week that provides a solid foundation in the subject. At Key Stage 4, pupils can choose to study Chemistry as a single GCSE or as part of the AQA Combined Science GCSE.

The Westbourne Science Department emphasises hands-on laboratory work, promoting learning through excitement and discovery. The course centres around the particulate nature of matter, using this concept to explain complex natural phenomena. The importance of chemical terminology and symbols is stressed from the very beginning.

Pupils follow the AQA KS3 Chemistry syllabus, preparing them for GCSE study. Topics covered include:

• Year 7: Particles and their behaviour, elements, atoms, and compounds, reactions, acids, and alkalis.
• Year 8: The Periodic Table, separation techniques, acids and metals, and the Earth.

GCSE Chemistry (Years 9-11) covers:

• Atomic structure and the periodic table
• Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
• Quantitative chemistry
• Chemical changes
• Energy changes
• The rate and extent of chemical change
• Organic chemistry
• Chemical analysis
• Chemistry of the atmosphere
• Using resources

By the end of the GCSE course, pupils will have a strong understanding of chemical principles, practical techniques, and mathematical skills necessary for A-level study.

The GCSE Chemistry assessment consists of two 1 hour 45 minute papers, each worth 50% of the final grade. The Combined Science Chemistry papers are 1 hour and 15 minutes in length and together contribute one-third of the overall grade. Both courses offer two tiers: Foundation (grades 1-5) and Higher (grades 3-9).