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 G CSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification