GSCE Chemistry – Parents guide

We use the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification (4421) which can be downloaded from http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/science/new/chem_materials.php?id=03&prev=03 , the specification chosen should be that for the summer your daughter will be in Year 11. Pupils currently start working towards their Chemistry GCSE at the beginning of Year 9, and take their modular exams over a period of three years.

The specification includes a basic grounding in important chemical principles including How Science Works and students are encouraged to understand and apply these concepts rather than to just learn material by rote. Practical work plays an important role in Chemistry and students will be encouraged to work safely and independently in the laboratories and to gain experience in handling a wide range of apparatus.

During their study of Chemistry, girls will develop transferable skills in the following areas:

• Reading , listening and comprehending
• Researching, reviewing and revising
• Basic mathematical skills
• Problem solving
• Organisation and planning, hypothesising, evaluating
• Safe manipulation of apparatus and chemicals
• Team work

All students will carry out a coursework type task (known as the ISA - Investigative Skills Assignment) during the course. This is carried out in lesson time, is done under examination conditions with staff support, which will contribute 25% towards their final GCSE grade. The other 75% is based on 3 units C1, C2 and C3, the examinations for these are taken throughout the course.

Support for pupils

Pupils are provided with a range of support. They are all provided with a course text book, and worksheets and lesson PowerPoint slides are available for them on the school VLE. Revision materials for the new GCSEs are in the process of being developed and they will also be made available through the VLE to encourage the pupils to learn and work independently. Students can request mentors and staff use seating plans for lessons to ensure all students are supported appropriately. Revision classes are often run either at Easter or the May half term for the final GCSE unit. Staff will willingly give of their time to help individuals with issues relating to chemistry.

 Useful websites:

www.aqa.org.uk – for specifications, past papers, mark schemes, examiners’ comments

www.chemsoc.org

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gscebitesize

http://www.s-cool.co.uk

http://docbrown.info

http://www.revisiontime.com/

http://www.gcsechemistry.com/

Homework is an integral part of the course, this is set by the department according to school policy after each GCSE lesson and the books are taken in and marked by staff on a frequent basis. We hope that you will encourage your daughter to complete these tasks and hand them in for marking.

Due to recent curriculum and timetable changes we anticipate that the following examination times are likely.

Y11 2009-2010

Y10 2009-2010

Year 9 2009-2010

Pupils starting their GCSE work in 2010 and taking the examination over 3 years will need to work from KS4 programmes of study and delay taking unit examinations until after September 2011 when new Science GCSE specifications will be introduced.