Chemistry

Sedbergh Senior School - Chemistry Image

Introducing chemistry

Sedbergh School has an impressive record of examination success in chemistry. However, the Department concentrates its efforts on engaging students with a subject which lends itself to awe and wonder like no other.

Practical study is undertaken wherever possible and the Department is proud that it remains a popular choice at A level despite declining numbers nationally and easier options elsewhere.

The department consists of four full-time teachers of chemistry and a full time, highly experienced laboratory technician. Teaching is dynamic, and practical chemistry is always to the fore. Despite the traditional nature of our courses, all of our teaching is supported by some of the latest Online applications supporting the ever present practical work in ensuring that our pupils have every opportunity to both enjoy and understand this subject.

year 9

Chemistry in Year 9 at Sedbergh is designed to inspire a curiosity and enjoyment of this subject whilst also ensuring a sound foundation of knowledge of atomic structure and The Periodic Table that underpins further study at GCSE. Practical skills are introduced and refined on a weekly basis with all pupils encouraged to participate fully in the laboratory. Pupils are exposed to the delights of liquid nitrogen and fireworks whilst high standards of academic study are established from the start.

chemistry gcse

This is a chemistry course with a traditional flavour, which contains a good deal of practical work.  It provides a sound grounding in a subject which is becoming increasingly important for an understanding of the modern world.  This course will also give a solid foundation for A Level Chemistry.

Summary of subject content

  1. Atomic structure and the periodic table
  2. Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
  3. Quantitative chemistry
  4. Chemical changes
  5. Energy changes
  6. The rate and extent of Chemical change
  7. Organic chemistry
  8. Chemical analysis
  9. Chemistry of the atmosphere
  10. Using resources

Specification link: https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/chemistry/specifications/AQA-8462-SP-2016.PDF

Sedbergh Senior School - Biology

chemistry a-level

Chemistry at A level remains very popular at Sedbergh with two sets of pupils in both the lower and upper sixth studying for OCR's A level examination. This traditional chemistry course allows us maximum scope for practical study and is very well supported by our Online resources. External examinations are now only sat at the end of the two year course which minimises disruption to lower sixth teaching which allows us to focus on learning rather than assessment. Annually, about 80% of our students achieve A* - B grades overall with many gaining a genuine enjoyment of this subject which sees numerous of our pupils going on every year to study chemistry or chemical sciences at Universities.

Specification link: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/chemistry-a-h032-h432-from-2015/