Chemistry

Year 7 overview

Chemistry is taught within a combined science course in Year 7. Students will build upon their primary education by learning more about the basics of chemistry in a laboratory setting. After an initial introduction to a laboratory, lab safety and how to use a Bunsen burner, students will be introduced to the very basics of chemistry, starting with the idea of particles and the atom. We then move on to thinking about the classification of elements as metals and non-metals, and investigating chemical reactions and reactivity.

A blend of explicit teaching of powerful knowledge, and application of research, experimentation and critical thinking allows students to become increasingly competent scientists.

They learn how to describe chemical reactions in a scientific way, and to evaluate their own thinking.

 

Term 1	Term 2	Term 3
Particulate Nature of Matter: States of matter, the particle model, changing states, water, mixtures and separation techniques.	Atoms, elements and compounds: Introduction to the Periodic Table and atomic theory, the difference between elements, mixtures and compounds, naming compounds and chemical reactions.	Chemical Reactions: Classifying elements as metals or non-metals and looking at the reactivity series and energy changes as well as classifying reactions as combustion, reduction, oxidation or thermal decomposition. Also, how to change the rate of chemical reactions.

 

5 ways I can help my child

 

1	Promote a curiosity into chemistry by discussing with your child why the materials they see every day behave and look the way they do.
2	Challenge your child’s ideas about what materials are made of, and make them aware of everyday chemical reactions seen in and around the home (e.g. cooking, burning fuels etc.)
3	Encourage your child to question the nature of the world around them, using sources like books and the internet to research areas of interest.
4	Promote pre-learning by encouraging your child to use their knowledge organiser to read ahead to next term’s topics.
5	Take advantage of any exhibitions or special STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) events in the local area.

 

 

Year 8 overview

In year 8, students start applying their understanding of chemical changes and reactions to how we have synthesised useful materials from the world around us. The structure of the Year 8 course not only builds upon the groundwork laid in Year 7, but also begins to prepare students for the increased rigour of Year 9.

Term 1	Term 2	Term 3
Acids and alkalis: Classifying compounds as acids or alkalis and how we use indicators to test them, the neutralisation reactions of acids and the production of salts.	Periodic Table and Metals: An introduction to what the periodic table tells us, and how we can use this to form balanced symbol equations for chemical reactions. A look at classifying materials from the periodic table and the methods for extracting metals, and how metals react.	The Earth and Atmosphere: Sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks and the resources we obtain from them along with looking at the carbon cycle and climate change.

5 ways I can help my child

1	Promote a curiosity into chemistry by discussing with your child why the materials they see every day behave and look the way they do.
2	Make your child aware of the importance of metals in our day to day lives and get them thinking about where these metals come from and how we obtain them.
3	Allow opportunities for getting out in nature and get your child thinking about what processes makes the earth around us so special.
4	Promote pre-learning by encouraging your child to use their knowledge organiser to read ahead to next term’s topics.
5	Encourage your child to question the nature of the world around them, using sources like books and the internet to research areas of interest.

 

 

Year 9 overview

In year 9 pupils will begin learning about rates of reaction. During this topic, students will develop their understanding by completing investigative work and developing their practical skills. They will also learn about the structure of atoms and how elements are arranged in the Periodic table. The programme of study in Year 9 will feel increasingly rigorous as students ready themselves for the demands of GCSE. While coverage is still driven by the National Curriculum, extension work may begin to include elements of study that students will pick up in Key Stage 4. The style of questions posed by teachers may begin to mirror the style of examination questions, and through these methods, we help students to not only develop and deepen their own understanding, but to also feel confident and prepared to embark upon their GCSE course by the end of the year.

Term 1	Term 2	Term 3
Rates of reaction, how to measure rate, how different factors affect the rate of a reaction: Temperature, concentration, surface area and the use of a suitable catalyst, rate of reaction graphs, calculating the rate of a reaction from a graph.	Atoms, elements and compounds, mixtures, the development of the model atom, relative electrical charges of subatomic particles, size and mass of atoms, relative atomic mass, electronic structure and the history and development of the periodic table.	Metals and non-metals, the behaviour of metals and alloys and their structure and bonding, formation of ions and the reactivity of Group 1, group 7 or group 0 based on this.

 

 

5 ways I can help my child

1	Promote a curiosity into chemistry by discussing with your child why the materials they see every day behave and look the way they do.
2	Encourage your child to spend time revisiting previously-taught content, and reflecting upon how it connects to the topics s/he is learning about currently..
3	Support your child’s learning by pointing out real-world applications of chemistry.
4	Promote pre-learning by encouraging your child to use their knowledge organiser to read ahead to next term’s topics.
5	Encourage your child to question the nature of the world around them, using sources like books and the internet to research areas of interest.