Wirral Grammar School

Navigation

  Main Navigation

  School Information

  Parents

School Email Login

Website Links

Cross Lane, Bebington,
Wirral. CH63 3AQ
Tel: 0151 6440908

Curriculum Areas

Our curriculum provides for our pupils in terms of both their abilities and interests. We do not leap onto "trends" in terms of subject choices, but provide a curriculum that evolves in line with experience and a sensitive knowledge of the needs of the pupils.

In years 7 to 9 the National Curriculum is followed. Our timetable currently comprises 50 lessons taught over a two week cycle (A & B). Each lesson is 60 minutes long.

In KS4 (years 10&11) boys are able to choose certain subjects, and are guided through the process in year 9 when parents are invited to attend an Options Information Evening.

Subjects

Chemistry

Welcome to the Chemistry Department! Chemistry occupies a central position among the basic sciences; on the one hand it is linked with Mathematics and Physics through Physical Chemistry and, on the other, with Biology through Biochemistry. Chemistry also plays an important part in the development of such sciences as Geology and Physiology. It underlies many branches of technology such as metallurgy, fuel, textiles and Chemical Engineering to name but a few.

Chemistry also enters into every manufacturing industry as well as medicine and agriculture. Knowledge of chemistry is also helpful in the Building Industry when considering materials and their structures. The chemical industry, together with its associated industries, is a major source of employment, and in this area probably the greatest.

KS3

Chemistry (KS3)

The Key Stage 3 Chemistry course is divided into a series of topics which cover the years 7-9. Emphasis is placed on scientific enquiry, such as scientific evidence and investigative skills, as well as knowledge, skills and understanding.

The topics studied are:

Year 7 - Acids & Alkalis
- Simple Chemical Reactions
- Particle Explanations
- Solutions

Year 8 - Atoms & Elements
- Compounds & Mixtures
- Rocks & Weathering
- The Rock Cycle

Year 9 - Reactions of Metals
- Patterns of Reactivity
- Using Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry

KS4

Chemistry (KS4) - GCSE Chemistry

The course builds upon the chemistry studied in years 7,8 and 9. It covers all the work required by the National Curriculum, and provides a body of knowledge appropriate for all students whether, or not, they choose to study chemistry at A level.
The topics covered are:

Year 10:
- Module 5-Metals
- Module 6-Earth Materials
- Module 21-Aqueous and Organic Chemistry

Year 11:
- Module 7-Patterns of Chemical Change
- Electrolysis - Structures and Bonding
- Module 22-Chemistry in Action

We follow the AQA GCSE Science : Chemistry (modular) specification. The assessment is divided in to 3 components:

Written Paper (1.5 hrs) - 50%
Module Tests (3 x 0.5 hrs) - 30%
Coursework - 20% (Practically based and investigative work is internally assessed during lesson time.)

KS5

Chemistry (KS5) - Chemistry in the Sixth Form

Chemistry is an exciting and challenging A Level subject. In the first year, the students will study the first three units which lead to the Advanced Subsdiary (AS) qualification. The course is made up of the following 3 modules:

- Atomic Structure, Bonding and Periodicity
- Foundation Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
- Introduction to Organic Chemistry/Practical

All will involve both theory and practical work. In the second year sixth, students will be following the A2 course which leads to the full A level.

The modules for the A2 course are:

- Further Physical and Organic Chemistry
- Thermodynamics and Further Inorganic Chemistry
- Synoptic Assessment/Practical

We follow the AQA GCE Chemistry specification. The assessment is divided into a combination of written work and course work.