The Science Department - Chemistry

Forms 4 - 5

Length: 2 years

Rationale:

The aims of this course are to develop abilities and skills that are relevant to the study and practice of Chemistry; and also useful in everyday life. Students are encouraged to develop attitudes relevant to Chemistry such as concern for accuracy and precision; objectivity; integrity; enquiry; initiative; inventiveness.

Course Description:

The chemistry syllabus covers the following topics:

Physical Chemistry – Energetics, Speed of Reaction, Reversible Reactions
Inorganic Chemistry – The Periodic Table; Atoms and Bonding; Oxidation and Reduction; Acids, Bases and Salts; Air and Water; Metals and Non-metals
Organic Chemistry – Fuels, Organic Compounds, Macromolecules
Stoichiometry
Experimental Techniques

All students study a common core syllabus which allows them to achieve up to grade C at IGCSE. Many students also study additional material for each topic, the extended syllabus, which allows them to achieve grades up to A*.

Assessment:
During forms 4 and 5 students carry out a number of internally assessed practical exercises which together count for 20% of the final IGCSE grade.

External assessment consists to two written examination papers. Students attempting the core syllabus take Paper 1 and Paper 2. Students offering the extended syllabus take Paper 1 and Paper 3. The weighting is as follows:

Core: Paper 1 (30%); Paper 2 (50%)
Extended: Paper 1 (30%); Paper 3 (50%)

LBIS assessment for term grades consists of class-work, homework, project work, unit tests and end of year examination.

Forms 6 - 7

Length: 2 years

Pre-requisite
HL: a C or above in Chemistry and Mathematics at IGCSE (or any equivalent examination/qualification).
SL: a D or above in Chemistry and Mathematics at IGCSE (or any equivalent examination/qualification).

Rationale
Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems. Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, chemistry is a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science and environmental science, and serves as useful preparation for employment.

Course Description
The core chemistry syllabus covers:

Physical Chemistry – Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases
Inorganic Chemistry – Periodicity, Bonding, Oxidation and Reduction
Organic Chemistry
Quantitative Chemistry

During the two year course students will also study two options chosen from the following: Modern Analytical Chemistry, Human Biochemistry, Chemistry in Industry and Technology, Medicines and Drugs, Environmental Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Further Organic.

Assessment:
Coursework is continuously assessed throughout the two years of the IB Chemistry course. Internal assessment of coursework counts for 24% of the final IB grade. Areas assessed are:

Design
Data Collection and Processing
Conclusion and Evaluation
Personal Skills
Manipulative Skills

In the final IB examination the papers are weighted as follows:

HL Paper 1 and 2 (core syllabus) 56% HL Paper 3 (options) 20%
SL Paper 1 and 2 (core syllabus) 52% SL Paper 3 (options) 24%

In school, students will be assessed 5 times during Form 6 and 4 times during Form 7. (the forth assessment being the mock exams). Each assessment will be based on written IB questions for the topics studied. Grades are awarded on an IB scale.