Chemistry enables learners to gain a greater understanding of the material world and the fundamental processes that govern matter at the atomic and molecular level. Through the study of chemical principles, it allows learners to comprehend how atoms and molecules interact and behave, providing insight into everything from chemical pathways to industrial applications.
At Derby Cathedral School we study the AQA A Level Chemistry course whereby we cover all three key areas: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Our aim is to produce Chemists of the future who are motivated and curious to explore the molecular basis of life and the universe around us. The curriculum we offer will prepare learners for a lifetime of scientific discovery and innovation, developing critical thinking skills essential for understanding complex chemical systems and their real-world applications.
Through our carefully designed curriculum and strong subject specialists, the Science department offers rich and engaging lessons that enable learners to master the fundamentals of Chemistry and develop the analytical skills needed to 'think like a Chemist'. Our approach fosters learning through collaborative laboratory investigations and group work, teacher and student led learning in order to prepare students fully for the final exams and making sure they have the tenacity and resilience to achieve their very best.
Mrs S Wood - Head of Chemistry and Teacher of Science
s.wood@derbycathedralschool.org.uk
Mr A McIntyre – Head of 6th form Teacher of Science
A.McIntyre@derbycathedralschool.org.uk
Mrs K Clay – Deputy Head of 6th form and Teacher of Science
K.Clay@derbycathedralschool.org.uk
Mr C Johnson – Teacher of Science
C.Johnson@derbycathedralschool.org.uk
Homework
Frequency and Duration: Students enrolled in A-Level Chemistry will receive approximately four hours of homework per week from each subject teacher.
Types of Homework:
- Subject-Specific Lesson Consolidation: Homework assignments focus on consolidating chemistry lesson content through tasks such as reviewing class notes, summarising key concepts, and exploring additional readings related to taught content.
- Past Exam Papers and Practice: To enhance exam preparedness, teachers assign past AQA exam papers and chemistry-specific practice questions. This targeted approach allows students to refine their understanding of exam techniques and address content-related challenges in areas such as calculations, mechanisms, and practical analysis.
- Practical write-ups.
Submission and Feedback: Homework submissions must be completed and handed in by specified deadlines. Timely feedback will be provided by teachers, offering constructive comments to guide students in their chemistry learning journey.
Assessment
Settling-in Check: At the beginning of the academic year, students undergo a settling-in check to gauge their baseline understanding of A-Level Chemistry. This assessment identifies areas requiring additional support and helps establish a clear starting point for the course.
Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs): Students sit two sets of PPEs throughout the year, mirroring the format of final AQA examinations. These assessments serve as crucial milestones to evaluate progress and readiness for the A-Level Chemistry qualification. The PPEs replicate the examination environment, allowing students to develop effective exam techniques and time management skills while receiving feedback to guide revision and preparation.
End-of-Unit Assessments: Regular end-of-unit assessments follow completion of specific chemistry topics or modules. These assessments provide ongoing feedback on students' understanding of individual units and identify knowledge gaps. Teachers use this information to tailor teaching and address misconceptions throughout the course, contributing to a holistic understanding of each student's performance.
Feedback and Support: Timely and constructive feedback is provided for all assessments, ensuring students receive detailed guidance on strengths and areas for improvement. Teachers are available for individual support and clarification to help students navigate challenging chemistry concepts and enhance their overall understanding.
Actively read through the first topic.
Put your coloured pencils and highlighters away. All you should have on the table is your learning resource, a pen and a pad.
Close the book and scribble down everything you can remember.
Focus on speed and accuracy. Scribble down everything you can remember from the topic you just read.
Check what you forgot or got wrong
Read through the topic again and take a mental note of what you forgot or got wrong.
Close the book again and scribble down what you missed
Repeat step 2, only this time, scribble down everything you missed out the first-time round.
This step should take no longer than 2 minutes.
Then move on to the next topic:
Complete all relevant end of topic questions
Whenever you encounter an end of topic test, do it! Then check your answers at the back of the book.
Complete all relevant past paper questions
Here’s where you move your mark up from a B to an A or A*. As a study by Elevate Education shows, there is a strong correlation between the number of past papers questions completed and top grades.
For the first few past papers you attempt, work through them slowly and check your answers with the mark scheme. Don’t just tick and cross what you get right and wrong. Re-attempt the questions you get wrong and try to remember the wording used in the mark scheme.
Complete the last 3 past papers under timed conditions, just as if you were in the actual exam. As a rule of thumb, the average mark across these 3 papers will be a good indication of what you’ll get in the final exam.
That’s it! In summary…
- Use the scribble technique to learn all the relevant content in your learning resources
- Attempt and complete all the relevant non-past paper questions
- Attempt and complete all relevant past paper questions
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Coming soon! - Page under development