Thursday 9 September 2010
”The branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances.”
Oxford Dictionary’s definition of Chemistry
At Albyn, we aim to embrace this statement and produce enthuastic, competent and innovative Chemists. Throughout all our courses we aim to increase practical skills, literacy, numeracy, problem solving ability and the capacity for independent study. The pupils are taught by 3 experienced Chemistry teachers in 2 well equipped laboratories. Recently the Chemistry department invested in new equipment and pupils now have access to a wide variety of equipment commonly used in Universities and Industry.
Curriculum
Upper 1 & 2
Topics covered:
• Introducing Chemistry
• Solids, Liquids and Gases
• Elements, Mixtures and Compounds
• Chemical Reactions
• Speed of Reactions and Atoms
• The Periodic Table
With the impending introduction of the Curriculum for Excellence, the pupils in Upper 2 undertake an Investigative unit, resulting in a group presentation. This has proved popular with the pupils and the direction is dictated by the pupils.
Upper 3 & 4
Pupils can choose to study Standard Grade Chemistry. The course contains 15 subtopics, covering a wide variety of key Chemistry concepts. Assessment is ongoing through homework and end of topic tests. Pupils undertake a 3rd year exam covering 9 topics of the course and an estimate exam in Upper 4 covering the remainder of the course. There is a practical aspect to the course which is assessed internally. In Upper 4 pupils attend an annual visit to the Royal Society of Chemistry course held at Aberdeen University. This promotes the importance and relevance of Chemistry.
Upper 5
Pupils can choose to study the Higher Chemistry Course. This builds upon their Standard Grade knowledge and incorporates a large percentage of practical work.
The three Units are:
• Energy Matters
• World of Carbon
• Chemical Reactions
Pupils must complete 9 Prescribed Practical Assessments in addition to passing the Unit Assessments and Exam. Pupils sit an estimate exam in February based on Unit 1 and 2 and an additional estimate exam on Unit 3 in April.
Upper 6
The sixth year course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural environments; it will also develop the skills of independent study and thought.
The four Units are:
• Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
• Principles of Chemical Reactions
• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Investigation (20-hour research project giving students the chance to experience first hand the excitement of scientific research.)
Pupils have 12 Prescribed Practical Assessments to complete. We are in the fortunate position that several of these are completed at Aberdeen University, allowing pupils the chance to experience the difference in a University laboratory.
Every year, outside speakers from local and central belt universities address both the Higher and Advanced Higher classes. This highlights the relevance of Chemistry and options available in both industry and further education.