I GCSE CHEMISTRY 

 

 

The International GCSE Chemistry syllabus is designed to enable pupils to explain and understand the technological world around them. This highly valued qualification will evidence both pupils' understanding of key theoretical principles and practical skills. 

 

The International GCSE Chemistry syllabus enables pupils to progress on to A Level Chemistry which will open opportunities to study further at university. 

 

Teacher assessments are continuous during LIVE TAUGHT lessons, marking of coursework and assignments and summative tests. 

 

Homework will be given at the end of each week, usually in the form of problems to solve, researching key concepts. 

 

Parents have 24 /7 access to all of their children's coursework. 

Additionally the school holds 3 parent consultaions per year - one each term. 

 

I am Head of the Chemistry Department. I am a qualified secondary school teacher (PGCE). I really love getting the most out of my young scientists and seeing them thrive. 

 

Initially starting as a research assistant, I worked on multiple projects alongside my key PhD research. As a PhD researcher I have enjoyed organising outreach with local colleges and schools and have become the student representative in the Education Committee. I also work alongside The Brilliant Club, have taken part in Skype-a-Scientist and SoapBox Scientist outreach and given talks at The Eden Project. 

 

Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry 

Member of the National College For Teaching and Leadership 

 

C1. The particulate nature of matter 

 

C2. Experimental techniques 

2.1 Methods of separation and purification 

 

C3. Atoms, elements and compounds 

3.1 Physical and chemical changes 

3.2 Elements, compounds and mixtures 

3.3 Atomic structure and the Periodic Table 

3.4 Ions and ionic bonds 

3.5 Molecules and covalent bonds 

3.6 Giant structures 

 

C4. Stoichiometry 

4.1 The mole concept 

 

C5. Electricity and chemistry 

 

C6. Energy changes in chemical reactions 

6.1 Energetics of a reaction 

 

C7. Chemical reactions 

7.1 Speed of reaction 

7.2 Redox 

 

C8. Acids, bases and salts 

8.1 The characteristic properties of acids and bases 

8.2 Types of oxides 

8.3 Preparation of salts 

8.4 Identification of ions and gases 

 

C9. The Periodic Table 

9.1 Periodic trends 

9.2 Group properties 

9.3 Transition elements 

9.4 Noble gases 

 

C10. Metals 

10.1 Properties of metals 

10.2 Reactivity series 

10.3 Extraction of metals 

10.4 Uses of metals 

 

C11. Air and water 

 

C12. Sulfur 

 

C13. Carbonates 

 

C14. Organic chemistry 

14.1 Fuels 

14.2 Introduction to organic compounds 

14.3 Hydrocarbons 

14.4 Alcohols 

14.5 Macromolecules 

14.6 Synthetic polymers 

14.7 Natural macromolecules 

 

 

These topics will be taught in Years 10 and 11 to prepare students for their examinations. 

 

Cambridge IGCSE® Chemistry Coursebook with CD-ROM (Cambridge International Examinations) Paperback – 31 Jul 2014 by Richard Harwood (Author), Ian Lodge (Author); ISBN 978-1-107-61503-8 

Access to a printer, pencil, ruler, rubber, pen, a notebook 

 

 

Assessment, apart from the final IGCSE exams, will be carried out continuously throughout lessons, via homework or short tests. 

Science is usually taught as a hands-on practical subject. 

Items that would be useful to have would be safety goggles, an apron, and a tray on which to carry out practicals (e.g. large baking tray). Additional materials will be announced a week before required in the lesson along with a permission slip (to be signed by the parents). If a student cannot get access to materials required for practicals or does not wish to carry out a practical, they should not worry as the practical will also be demonstrated by the teacher. 

The number of practicals will be relatively restricted owing to the nature of the course (online versus conventional), but we will try to include as many practicals as possible using safe household materials. Students will also be encouraged to think scientifically in an everyday context, making them aware of the science around them and how it can help in solving problems. 

 

Parents are responsible for arranging their child's examinations at their local registered examination centre. Students study from every part of the globe and so it is not practical for the school to offer a single venue to sit examinations. The provider, alongside; Edexcel, OCR and AQA will support students in locating a suitable venue for sitting their written and practical examinations. 

 

"The conducting of experiments is potentially dangerous and must be supervised by an adult. The provider and its teachers do not demand that pupils conduct experiments. Parents and pupils must take the decision to conduct experiments / dangerous activities and must therefore accept responsibility for any outcomes. The provider does not accept responsibility for experiments or any other dangerous activity conducted at the homes of its pupils or in any other place."