Chemistry

• To provide a happy and safe environment in which all pupils can learn to the best of their abilities
•  To encourage and support pupils to participate in the life of the school.
•  To provide a curriculum suitable for all pupils who wish to study Chemistry and ensure the highest possible standards of achievement for all pupils.
•  To prepare pupils for life after school
•  Achieve the best results
•  To encourage an interest in areas where Chemistry is important in our everyday lives.

Principal Teacher: Dr Fyffe

Department staff: Mr Wes Lorimer

Broad General Education

S3 Chemistry - Pupils further develop their broad general education in science whilst developing the knowledge and skills for the senior phase. 

Senior Phase - Pupils will study either Environmental Science, National 4 or National 5 Chemistry depending upon their attainment in S3 and their assessment results during S4.

National 4 Chemistry – Pupils will study National 4 Chemistry if they typically achieve 60% or below in assessments during the S3 course.

National 5 Chemistry - Pupils will study National 5 Chemistry if they typically achieve 60% or above in assessments during the S3 course.

Higher Chemistry - Higher Grade is offered to pupils who achieve a National 5 Chemistry pass at grades A-C.  Pupils who have studied National 4 Chemistry in S3/S4 may wish to study National 5 Chemistry in S5/S6

Advanced Higher Chemistry

National 5/Higher Course Structures

Units:

• Chemical Change and Structure

• Nature’s Chemistry

• Chemistry in Society

External Assessment:

• Question paper consisting of multiple choice and written responses (worth 80% of overall mark)

• Assignment research task (worth 20% of overall mark)

Internal Assessment:

• 3 end of unit question papers

• Formal Experimental write-up

• Short Report (National 5 only)

• Researching Chemistry (Higher only)

  (All internal assessment components must be passed in order to sit the final question paper)

Homework:

Homework is distributed fortnightly (National 5) or weekly (Higher)

When homework has not been set, it is expected that pupils will revise their notes and practice examination-style questions at home.

Revision:

• 1 hour per week (National 5)/ 2 hours per
  week (Higher) in addition to homework tasks

• Supported Study available during lunchtimes

• BBC Bitesize website is a useful resource

• Pupils are encouraged to purchase a book of
  past papers and practice them regularly

Equipment:

• Scientific Calculator

• Pencils and Pens