Skip to content ↓

Devonport High School for Girls

Name of Head of Department

Mrs E Mattock, MChem, PhD, MA, PGCE

Statement of Intent 

The science curriculum at DHSG is designed to support our learners in their development to become scientifically literate citizens of the 21st century. We aim to engage their curiosity; to help them learn how to ask the right questions about the world around them and the society we live in. We will support them in developing the skills and knowledge required to investigate their questions and then to interpret and critically evaluated the answers they find. We achieve this through the study of the three traditional scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, all of which are underpinned by practical principles and investigation and will include learning about how scientists work. 

We ensure that students have a firm scientific knowledge and skill base to progress with confidence through the Key Stages and finally progress into the wider world with the scientific tools required to pursue their individually chosen further study and future career pathways. We will teach our students how to use mathematics in science and not assume the transference of maths skills whilst ensuring our curriculum is assessable to all. 

Chemistry is the branch of science where learners explore and gain understanding: 

  • of the composition, behaviour, and properties of matter; 
  • of the origins and development of the Earth and its atmosphere; 
  • of the role of chemists in and the use and development of existing materials, and design of new materials and their impacts on society, the economy, and the environment. 

This is achieved at each Key Stage: 

  • Lower years: Adherence to the National Curriculum for Science (Chemistry);
  • Middle Years: AQA GSCE Chemistry or AQA Combined Sciences Trilogy (Chemistry); 
  • Upper Years: OCR Chemistry A .

Curriculum Programmes of Study 

Year

Cycle Content

Year 7

Cycle 1

Laboratory procedures
Working scientifically

Cycle 2

Working scientifically
Particles and their behaviour and the Periodic table  
Atoms, elements and compounds* [Inc. the Periodic Table]

Cycle 3

Separation techniques
The Earth

Year 8 

 

Cycle 1

Reactions
Acids and alkalis

Cycle 2

Acids and alkalis
Metals and acids

Cycle 3

Metals and acids
New technology

Year 9

Cycle 1

Atomic structure
Periodic table
Bonding, structure and the properties of matter

Cycle 2

Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
Chemical changes
Electrolysis

Cycle 3

Electrolysis
Energy changes

Year 10 

Cycle 1

Quantitative chemistry
The rate and extent of chemical change

Cycle 2

The rate and extent of chemical change
Organic Chemistry: Crude oil

Cycle 3

Organic Chemistry: Crude oil
Organic Chemistry: Organic reactions

Year 11

Cycle 1

Organic chemistry: Polymers
Chemical Analysis
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Using resources

Cycle 2

Using resources
Using materials (Chemistry only)

Cycle 3

Using materials (Chemistry only)
Examination preparation

Lower Years Assessment Framework
 

To view the Lower Years Assessment Framework for Science, please click here

Middle Years Exam and Specification Information 

Middle years Triple Science Options: AQA GCSE Chemistry is delivered.

GCSE Chemistry students follow all of units 4.1 – 4.11 found on the GCSE Chemistry Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website  GCSE Chemistry Specification

Middle years Double Science option: AQA Combined Science: Trilogy is delivered

Combined science students follow selected elements of units 5.1 – 5.11 found on the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Combined  Science: Trilogy Specification

Extra-curricular activities 

Enrichment opportunities include the Chemistry Olympiad in year 13, the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge in Year 12 and the Paignton Zoo trip in Year 8.