Chemistry
Chemistry is a branch of science that studies the composition and properties of matter and their chemical reactions.
Chemistry is everywhere.
- Our body is made up of chemicals and there are many chemical reactions that occur in our body, such as when we breathe.
- We use chemistry in medicine, so that we can understand the proper use of drugs or supplements and enables you to make judgement whether it is helpful or harmful.
- In the home, we use chemistry to cook wonderful meals or to preserve food. When cleaning we use a range of chemicals such as detergents, disinfectants and soaps.
- Chemistry is used in the continual advancement of technology, where we are able to extract different types of metals and create different type of plastics. These materials are used in the buildings, transport and electronic devices such as your mobile phone.
The Chemistry Department at Invicta Grammar School have devised details and rigorous schemes of work for all key stages where the students study the core principles of chemistry – both in breadth and depth- as well as applying the chemical concepts learnt to the real world situations. Over time students will also develop a range of transferable skills such as practical, analytical and critical thinking skills that will benefit them as they progress through their studies to A Level and beyond.
Year 9 - Foundation Year
You may think of Chemistry in context of laboratory practicals or working with chemicals that involves bangs and smells, but the field of chemistry is everywhere. Everything you hear, see, smell, taste and touch – all the five senses - involve chemistry and chemicals. These chemicals are made up of atoms which makes up elements, molecules and compounds.
The Year 9 Foundation Year looks at the 4 main building blocks of Chemistry. You will learn how the models of the atoms develop and how the structure of atoms influences the shape of the Periodic Table. Then you will learn how atoms combine (bonding) to form compounds and how the atoms are arranged (structures), followed by learning how chemists measure quantities of atoms.
Here at Invicta, you will build your knowledge of the topics on the atomic structure, periodic table, structure and bonding along with chemical calculations which extend the knowledge developed at Key Stage 3. You will develop a range of skills in Chemistry as you will develop a deeper understanding of the concepts in chemistry, improve your analytical thinking. In practical work you will learn new and developed practical skills. In Year 9, Chemistry is taught in 4 one-hour lessons over a fortnight by specialist subject teachers.
Topics Covered
Atomic Structure
The historical development of models of atomic structure provides good examples of how scientific ideas and explanations develop over time as new evidence emerges, which provides evidence for the model of a nuclear atom with electrons in energy levels.
Periodic Table
The periodic table provides chemists with a structured organisation of the known chemical elements from which they can make sense of their physical and chemical properties.
The historical development of the periodic table structure provides good examples of how scientific ideas and explanations develop over time as new evidence emerges.
The arrangement of elements in the modern periodic table can be explained in terms of atomic structure.
Structure and Bonding
Chemists use theories of structure and bonding to explain the physical and chemical properties of materials. Analysis of structures shows that atoms can be arranged in a variety of ways, some of which are molecular while others are giant structures.
Theories of bonding explain how atoms are held together in these structures.
Scientists use this knowledge of structure and bonding to engineer new materials with desirable properties. The properties of these materials may offer new applications in a range of different technologies.
Chemical Calculations
Chemists use quantitative analysis to determine the formulae of compounds and the equations for reactions. Given this information, analysts can then use quantitative methods to determine the purity of chemical samples and to monitor the yield from chemical reactions.
Timetable
Over a fortnightly timetable students receive:
- 4 hours of guided classroom learning
- 2 x 30 minutes of guided independent homework
Chemistry and Beyond
To Read
On our student portal, there are a collection of reading articles linked to the topics covered in Year 9, which extends beyond the specification.
Examples include:
• Where do elements come from?
• The race for iodine
• Nanotechnology big impact
• Amedeo Avogadro
Recommended books about the elements to read:
- The Secret Lives of the Elements by Kathryn Hark has strange and wonderful stories of 52 elements such as beryllium the space crusader or cobalt the tricker to the wolf in sheep’s clothing thallium.
- Periodic Tales: The Curious Lives of the Elements by Hugh Aldersey-Williams where each chapter fouces a particular element. Here you'll meet iron that rains from the heavens or you'll discover what connects the bones in your body with the Whitehouse in Washington, or the glow of a streetlamp with the salt on your dinner table.
To Watch
Television Documentaries
There are not as many documentaries on chemistry compared with biology or physics.
BBC Four has many excellent science documentaries can be seen on this TV channel. A good chemistry programme to watch is “Atoms” which can be seen on Amazon Prime.
To Listen
Elements Podcast
https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/podcast/
This element-focused podcast covers the periodic table and some covering basic compounds. These 6-8 minute episodes are perfect bite-sized introductions to each element or compound and its history, uses and other interesting facts about its role in our every-day lives. The website has an interactive periodic table where you can click on the element to hear the podcast!
To Visit
Science Museum London
At the museum you can delve into stories of how experimentation and innovation in chemistry affects the world around us. From ordering the elements and encouraging young scientists to experiment, to inventing wonder materials and detecting dangerous pollution, chemists have had profound impacts on the modern world.
The Faraday Museum at the Royal institution (RI) - London
There are displays spread across three floors, the stuff of science is woven throughout the RI building. In fact, wherever you go, you will discover the instruments and people that have made science work for the last two hundred years. There is an opportunity to try your hand at their chemical elements game. Test your reaction times and spot the 10 elements discovered at the Ri as they appear in a fast-and-furious elements song. There is also an interactive tour of the laboratories.
Chemistry Workshops
POP Science Investigators
At part of the Invicta POP programme, there is a workshop where students can investigate and develop their practicals skills that are not taught within the specification.
Key Stage 4
Chemistry is involved in everything that we do. In everyday life, you do Chemistry when you bake a cake, when you use detergents to clean the kitchen surface after baking. Chemistry provides an explanation why baking soda works or how detergents can remove the grease from the pan. Chemistry explains why many foods are acidic and cleaning detergents are alkaline.
Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes that matter can undergo when it is subjected to different environments and conditions. In Year 9 you will have developed an understanding of atomic structure and what happens when atoms combine to form ions, molecules and compounds. Throughout Year 10 and 11, you will study many chemical reactions where you study the process of transformation of chemical substances to another
Throughout Year 10 and 11 you will:
- Study different types of chemical reactions, like why iron rusts
- Learn what happens during chemical reactions, such as how fuels provide us energy
- Explain properties of materials – why some plastics melt when heated while others burn
- Understand the role of chemistry in manufacturing processes – for example – how fertilisers are made
- Learn how chemistry can help to understand, protect and improve the environment around us such as recycling metals, or reducing the levels of air pollution
- Learn how forensic scientists can test for chemicals e.g. how flame tests can detect metals ions.
- Develop your practical and analytical skills
At Invicta we study GCSE Chemistry – as one of three separate sciences. We follow the AQA specification which accumulates at the end of Year 11 with two exam papers of 1 hour and 45 minutes. The examinations will not only assess the students’ knowledge and understanding, their practical skills but also their mathematical skills.
Topics Covered
Chemical Changes
Chemical reactions can be classified in various ways. Identifying different types of chemical reaction allows chemists to make sense of how different chemicals react together, to establish patterns and to make predictions about the behaviour of other chemicals.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the process in which a chemical reaction is started with electricity.
This is usually done with liquids and especially with ions dissolved in water.
Electrolysis is used widely in today's industry and is a part of the production of many products.
Energy Changes
Most reactions release energy like the combustion of fuels, while others like eating sherbet it absorbs energy. You will examine reasons for this and how the energy can be measured.
Also look at how energy can be produced in other ways as in electrochemical cells and fuel cells.
Rates and Equilibrium
Chemical reactions can occur at vastly different rates. Whilst the reactivity of chemicals is a significant factor in how fast chemical reactions proceed, there are many variables that can be manipulated in order to speed them up or slow them down.
Chemical reactions may also be reversible and therefore the effect of different variables needs to be established in order to identify how to maximise the yield of desired product.
Crude Oil and Fuels
The chemistry of carbon compounds is so important that it forms a separate branch of chemistry. These sources include fossil fuels which are a major source of feedstock for the petrochemical industry.
Organic Reactions
A great variety of carbon compounds is possible because carbon atoms can form chains and rings linked by C-C bonds. Chemists are able to take organic molecules and modify them in many ways to make new and useful materials such as pharmaceuticals, perfumes and flavourings, dyes and detergents.
Polymers
Chemists are able to take organic molecules and modify them in many ways to make new and useful materials such as addition and condensation polymers. Many of these polymers are found naturally in living things.
Chemical Analysis
Analysts have developed a range of qualitative tests to detect specific chemicals.
The tests are based on reactions that produce a gas with distinctive properties, or a colour change or an insoluble solid that appears as a precipitate. Forensic scientists and drug control scientists rely on such instrumental methods in their work.
The Earth’s Atmosphere
The Earth’s atmosphere is dynamic and forever changing. The causes of these changes are sometimes man-made and sometimes part of many natural cycles. The problems caused by increased levels of air pollutants require scientists and engineers to develop solutions that help to reduce the impact of human activity.
The Earth’s Resources
Chemists aim to develop ways of disposing of products at the end of their useful life in ways that ensure that materials and stored energy are utilised. Pollution, disposal of waste products and changing land use has a significant effect on the environment, and how damaging effects can be minimised.
Using Our Resources
Industries use the Earth’s natural resources to manufacture useful products. In order to operate sustainably, chemists seek to minimise the use of limited resources, use of energy, waste and environmental impact in the manufacture of these products.
Timetable
Over a fortnightly timetable students receive:
- 4 hours of guided classroom learning
- 2 x 30 minutes of guided independent homework
Chemistry and Beyond
To Read
Student Portal
On our student portal, there is a collection of reading articles linked to the topics covered in Year 10-11, which extends beyond the specification.
Examples include:
- Sinkholes
- The strange story of Napoleon’s wallpaper
- Rosalind Franklin
- Flaking away
- Its not easy being green or is it.
Book Club Podcast by Chemistry World
https://www.chemistryworld.com/chemistry-world-book-club-podcast/216.subject
Each month a new chemistry-themed book is analysed in every episode. The books aren't always heavily technical - some tell wonderful stories about the history of chemistry or do a deep dive on a chemistry topic that affects our daily lives. The hosts often include short interviews with the author and read excerpts to help you get a feel for the style and content. The episodes last between 15 -25 minutes.
Compound Interest
https://www.compoundchem.com
Compound interest is a website filled with infographics that explores a range of everyday chemistry. The infographics describe, for example, how chemicals found in food and nature give them smell, taste, and colour. Topical chemical news is also displayed as infographics.
Recommended Books
There are plenty of books associated with the periodic table and the elements.
- The secret lives of the elements by Kathryn Harkup
- Periodic Tales by Hugh Aldersley-Williams
- The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean
- The Secret life of the Elements by Ben Still
- Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sachs
Note that these authors have written further books in other areas of science, that are worth reading, if you wish to broaden your horizons beyond chemistry.
To Visit
Science Museum - London
At the museum you can delve into stories of how experimentation and innovation in chemistry affects the world around us. From ordering the elements and encouraging young scientists to experiment, to inventing wonder materials and detecting dangerous pollution, chemists have had profound impacts on the modern world.
The Faraday Museum at the Royal institution (RI) - London
There are displays spread across three floors, the stuff of science is woven throughout the Ri building. In fact, wherever you go, you'll discover the instruments and people that have made science work for the last two hundred years. There is an opportunity to try your hand at their chemical elements game. Test your reaction times and spot the 10 elements discovered at the Ri as they appear in a fast-and-furious elements song. There is also an interactive tour of the laboratories.
History of Science Museum - Oxford
The basement of the building that now houses the History of Science Museum was originally Oxford’s first scientific laboratory, which was used to teach students the science of chemistry (and also medicine). Examples of original chemical apparatus from the 17th century are still on display in the Basement Gallery. We also have chemical apparatus demonstrating the development of chemistry up to the 20th century. Highlights include a ‘radium kit’ for home chemical demonstrations in the early 20th century – before such radioactive substances were found to be hazardous.
To Watch
Royal Institution Christmas Lectures
https://www.rigb.org/christmas-lectures The Christmas lectures were started in 1825 by Michael Faraday and are broadcasted on national television every year. The past series are available covering all areas of science. The most recent chemistry lecture is “The Modern Alchemist”.
Television Documentaries
There are not as many documentaries on chemistry compared with biology or physics.
BBC Four has many excellent science documentaries can be seen on this TV channel. Two good chemistry programmes to watch are “Atoms” and “Chemistry: A Volatile History”.
Further documentaries look at the application of chemistry. “Atoms” can be seen on Amazon Prime
Inside the factory (BBC) The series looks at the production occurring in factories and covers many areas of science.
Fake or Fortune (BBC) The programmes examines the provenance and attribution of notable artworks. Forensic analysis of the artworks is frequently carried are typical examples of chemical instrumental analysis.
Forensics the real CSI (BBC) The programmes follow serious crime investigations in real time, revealing the crucial role cutting-edge forensic science
Any TV crime series
Many crime programmes show examples of forensic science. Examples include
- Silent witness
- CSI: Crime scene investigation
Chemistry at the movies
“Radioactive” (12A) is a 2019 British biographical film about Marie & Pierre Curie
To Listen
Elements Podcast
https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/podcast/ This element-focused podcast covers the periodic table and some covering basic compounds. These 6-8 minutes episodes are perfect bite-sized introductions to each element or compound and its history, uses and other interesting facts about its role in our every-day lives. The website has an interactive periodic table where you can click on the element to hear the podcast!
Chemistry For Your Life Podcast
https://chemforyourlife.transistor.fm/episodes A podcast helping you understand the chemistry of your everyday life.
The podcast has two people a chemist who explains the technical aspects while he actively tries to understand it and ask his own questions that often represent misconceptions or knowledge gaps that non-chemists may have. There's also an occasional episode for learning to do chemistry outreach experiments at home. There is a new podcast released every week and it will help you learn more about the chemistry in your world. The episodes are between 20-40 minutes.
Chemistry Workshops
POP Science Investigators
At part of the Invicta POP programme, there is a workshop where students can investigate and develop their practicals skills that are not taught within the specification.
Key Stage 5
Chemistry is the science of matter - the composition of substances, their properties and reactions. It looks at the structures of molecules that comprise all matter, and the fundamental principles which define the appearance, behaviour and changes those molecules undergo. Molecules may be large or small, simple or complex, short-lived or inert, life-saving or fatal…. Some are even beautiful. As the Royal Society of Chemistry asserts, "Chemistry is everything", from the microscopic world of atoms and molecules to the macroscopic world of stars and galaxies.
Where can A Level Chemistry take me?
A Level Chemistry is an excellent base for a university degree in healthcare such as medicine, pharmacy and dentistry as well as the biological sciences, physics, mathematics, pharmacology and analytical chemistry. Chemistry is also taken by many law applicants as it shows you can cope with difficult concepts. Chemistry can also complement a number of arts subjects.
There is a range of career opportunities including chemical, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries and in areas such as forensics, environmental protection and healthcare. The problem-solving skills are useful for many other areas, too, such as law and finance.
Studying A-Level Chemistry will help you to utilise, and allow you to develop, a wide range of key skills such as problem solving, working with others, communication, numeracy, research and independent learning, practical application and analytical thinking.
Exam board/Qualification: OCR A-Level Chemistry A
- 3 papers at the end of Year 13
- Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry(100 marks) 2 hours 15 minutes
- Synthesis and analytical techniques (100 marks) 2 hours 15 minutes
- Unified chemistry (70 marks) 1 hour 30 minutes
- 15% of marks based on practical work
- 20% Mathematical requirement
- Practical Endorsement
Topics Covered
At Invicta, we follow the OCR A Specification which covers six modules.
The modules are:
- Development of practical skills in Chemistry
- Foundations in Chemistry
- Periodic table and energy
- Core organic Chemistry and analysis
- Physical Chemistry and transition elements
- Organic Chemistry and analysis
Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry is the study of elements and inorganic compounds, that do not contain a C-H bond. There are a few inorganic compounds that contain carbon, such as carbonates, but most contains metals.
- Physical Chemistry is the branch of chemistry that considers the physical side of chemistry. It is the study of how substances behave on a molecular and atomic level and how chemical reactions occur.
Organic and Analytical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry is the study of carbon and its compounds. The structure and properties of organic molecules, polymers, fuels and drugs are studied along with the study of organic synthesis, where the reactions of molecules containing the carbon-hydrogen bond are studied. Organic chemistry is often known as the chemistry of life and biochemistry is studied such as amino acids.
- Analytical Chemistry studies the chemical composition of materials and the development of tools to measure properties of matter. Analytical techniques include laboratory techniques that includes quantitative and qualitative analysis along with instrumental analysis
Practical Chemistry
- You will cover at least 12 practical activities (known as PAGs) across the two-year A Level course. The ‘endorsement’ of practical work will be assessed by teachers. This will not be graded. If you pass, it will be reported on your certificate; otherwise, it will not be reported.
- For the course, you will be provided with a Lab Book to help you to achieve a Practical Endorsement, where you will complete a range of experiments to display your competency in:
- Following procedures
- Applying an investigative approach when using instruments and equipment
- Working safely
- Making and recording observations
- Researching, referencing and reporting.
Summary of the 12 Practical Activity Groups
Timetable
Over a fortnightly timetable students receive:
- 10 hours of guided classroom learning
- 10 x 60 minutes of guided independent homework
A Level Chemistry is taught 10 lessons over a fortnight between two teachers; Inorganic & Physical Chemistry and Organic & Analytical Chemistry.
Enrichment and Extra Curricular
Reading about Chemistry
Invicta Student Portal
On our student portal, there is a collection of reading articles linked to the topics covered through the A Level course which extends beyond the specification.
Examples include:
- Rain and Snowflakes
- Saving SS Great Britain
- The chemistry behind the great British bake off
- NMR in Good will hunting
- The strange story of Napoleon’s wallpaper
Book Club Podcast by Chemistry World
https://www.chemistryworld.com/chemistry-world-book-club-podcast/216.subject
Each month a new Chemistry-themed book is analysed in every episode. The books aren't always heavily technical - some tell wonderful stories about the history of Chemistry or do a deep dive on a Chemistry topic that affects our daily lives. The hosts often include short interviews with the author and read excerpts to help you get a feel for the style and content. The episodes last between 15 -25 minutes.
Compound Interest https://www.compoundchem.com
Compound interest is a website filled with infographics that explores a range of everyday Chemistry. The infographics describe, for example, how chemicals found in food and nature give them smell, taste, and colour. Topical Chemical news is also displayed as infographics.
Recommended Books
- What is Chemistry? and Reactions: The private life of atoms by Peter Atkins. Two books that are a good introduction to the field of chemistry and the study of chemical reactions
- Napoleons’ buttons by Penny Le Couteur, looks at how 17 molecules changed the course of history.
- Mauve by Simon Garfield looks at how one colour changed the world.
- Curious tales from chemistry – the last alchemist in Paris and other episodes by Lars Öhrström looks at the tales of different elements.
- Caesar’ last breath by Sam Kean looks at the story of air around us.
Books outside chemistry
- The Violinist Thumb by Sam Kean – stories about DNA
- The Poisoner’s Handbook by Deborah Blum – looks at the development of forensic science
- Anatomies: The Human Body, Its Parts and The Stories They tell by Hugh Aldersey-Williams. A journey through the art, science, literature and history of the human body.
- Making the monster: the science behind Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein by Kathryn Harkup
Note that these authors have written further books in other areas of science, that are worth reading, if you wish to broaden your horizons beyond Chemistry.
Reading Chemistry in the news
For the recent science and chemistry news, there are magazines and newspapers that will have the recent developments.
- News Scientist – weekly magazine
- BBC Science Focus magazine – monthly magazine
- Guardian Newspaper – refer to the science section
Visiting Chemistry in Museums
Science Museum - London
At the museum you can delve into stories of how experimentation and innovation in chemistry affects the world around us. From ordering the elements and encouraging young scientists to experiment, to inventing wonder materials and detecting dangerous pollution, chemists have had profound impacts on the modern world.
The Faraday Museum at the Royal institution (RI) - London
There are displays spread across three floors, the stuff of science is woven throughout the Ri building. In fact, wherever you go, you'll discover the instruments and people that have made science work for the last two hundred years. There is an opportunity to try your hand at their chemical elements game. Test your reaction times and spot the 10 elements discovered at the Ri as they appear in a fast-and-furious elements song. There is also an interactive tour of the laboratories.
History of Science Museum - Oxford
The basement of the building that now houses the History of Science Museum was originally Oxford’s first scientific laboratory, which was used to teach students the science of chemistry (and also medicine). Examples of original chemical apparatus from the 17th century are still on display in the Basement Gallery. It also has chemical apparatus demonstrating the development of chemistry up to the 20th century. Highlights include a ‘radium kit’ for home chemical demonstrations in the early 20th century – before such radioactive substances were found to be hazardous.
Visiting Medicine in Museums
There are many museums in London that covers health and medicine; It ranges from herbs, hear surgery, and helicopter emergency services to pharmacies, false teeth and forensic pathology. Visit the website http://medicalmuseums.org for list of museums. Examples include the Welcome Collection or Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum
Watching Chemistry
Royal Institution Christmas Lectures https://www.rigb.org/christmas-lectures
The Christmas lectures were started in 1825 by Michael Faraday and are broadcasted on national television every year. The past series are available covering all areas of science. The most recent chemistry lecture is “The Modern Alchemist”.
Television Documentaries
There are not as many documentaries on Chemistry compared with Biology or Physics.
BBC Four has many excellent science documentaries can be seen on this TV channel. Two good Chemistry programmes to watch are “Atoms” and “Chemistry: A Volatile History”.
Further documentaries look at the application of Chemistry. “Atoms” can be seen on Amazon Prime
Inside the factory (BBC) The series looks at the production occurring in factories and covers many areas of science.
Fake or Fortune (BBC) The programmes examines the provenance and attribution of notable artworks. Forensic analysis of the artworks is frequently carried are typical examples of chemical instrumental analysis.
Forensics - the real CSI (BBC) The programmes follow serious crime investigations in real time, revealing the crucial role cutting-edge forensic science.
Any TV crime series
Many crime programmes show examples of forensic science. Examples include
- Silent witness
- CSI: Crime scene investigation
Chemistry at the movies
“Radioactive” (12A) is a 2019 British biographical film about Marie & Pierre Curie.
Listening to Chemistry
Elements Podcast https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/podcast/
This element-focused podcast covers the periodic table and some covering basic compounds. These 6-8 minutes episodes are perfect bite-sized introductions to each element or compound and its history, uses and other interesting facts about its role in our every-day lives. The website has an interactive periodic table where you can click on the element to hear the podcast!
Chemistry For Your Life Podcast https://chemforyourlife.transistor.fm/episodes
A podcast helping you understand the Chemistry of your everyday life.
The podcast has two people a chemist who explains the technical aspects while he actively tries to understand it and ask his own questions that often represent misconceptions or knowledge gaps that non-chemists may have. There's also an occasional episode for learning to do Chemistry outreach experiments at home. There is a new podcast released every week and it will help you learn more about the Chemistry in your world. The episodes are between 20-40 minutes.
Science Weekly Podcast https://www.theguardian.com/science/series/science
The Guardian Newspaper holds a weekly podcast the covers a wide range of scientific issues and developments.
Careers
We have a wealth of information on our Careers page - Please click here to visit.
