Chemistry Higher

The main aims of this Course are learners:

  • demonstrating knowledge and understanding of Chemistry by making statements, describing information, providing explanations and integrating knowledge
  • applying Chemistry knowledge to new situations, analysing information and solving problems
  • planning and designing experiments/practical investigations to test given hypothesis or to illustrate particular effects including safety measures
  • carrying out experiments/practical investigation safely, recording detailed observations and collecting data
  • selecting information and presenting information appropriately in a variety of forms
  • processing information (using calculations and units, where appropriate)
  • making predictions and generalisations from evidence/information
  • drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence/justification
  • evaluating experiments/practical investigations and suggesting improvements
  • communicating findings/information effectively

CONTENT

Chemical Changes and Structure

This Unit covers the knowledge and understanding of controlling reaction rates and periodic trends, and strengthens the learner’s ability to make reasoned evaluations by recognising underlying patterns and principles.

Nature’s Chemistry

This Unit covers the knowledge and understanding of organic chemistry within the context of the chemistry of food and the chemistry of everyday consumer products, soaps, detergents, fragrances and skincare.

Chemistry in Society

This Unit covers the knowledge and understanding of the principles of physical chemistry which allow a chemical process to be taken from the researcher’s bench through to industrial production.

Researching Chemistry

This Unit covers the key skills necessary to undertake research in chemistry.  Learners will research the relevance of chemical theory to everyday life by exploring the chemistry behind a topical issue.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

To pass the Chemistry course, learners must pass all of the required Units.  This includes a Unit Assessment (NAR), and a practical write up.

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

Learners must sit an external exam and complete a practical investigation.  Both of these elements are externally marked.

HOMEWORK

About 90 minutes per week to go over notes, answer questions and prepare for tests.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Pupils should have a grade A-C at National 5 level Chemistry, however, pupils with a C level pass may struggle with this course.

RESOURCES

All pupil resources will be shared via Microsoft Teams, Homework will be set through Satchel One and pupils will be able to make use of the scholar.hw.ac.uk website for revision or home learning.

Meet the Chemistry Staff