Chemistry & Single Award Science | The Royal Belfast Academical Institution

Department

Chemistry

Level

KS3, KS4, KS5

Head of Department

Miss L Gray

Members of Dept

Miss F Green, Mr D Roy

Gallery

Why study Chemistry?

Chemistry provides a foundational understanding of the natural world. It explores the composition, properties and changes of matter, helping pupils grasp the principles that govern the physical universe. Pupils learn to think critically and solve problems, skills which are applicable across various fields and in daily life. They are introduced to laboratory techniques and scientific method, fostering an appreciation for evidence-based reasoning and experimentation, helping build confidence in scientific literacy.

Chemistry is necessary for degrees in medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, and can open up a range of careers and higher education courses such as optometry, physiotherapy, pharmaceutical sciences, forensic science, biomedical and biological sciences, and environmental health and food sciences. Chemistry can also help gain direct entry into employment, especially into the scientific and other related sectors.

What Chemistry offers?

Key Stage 3

Pupils receive 2 x 35min periods per week from Years 8 – 10 covering the following topics:

Year 8

What is Science?
What is Chemistry?
Periodic Table

Year 9

States of Matter
Acids and Alkalis
Physical and Chemical Changes
Water and Solubility

Year 10

Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
Separation Techniques
Atomic Structure
Types of Reactions

Key Stage 4

The department follows the CCEA GCSE Chemistry specification. Pupils receive 4 x 35min periods per week throughout Years 11 and 12 and complete the following units:

Unit 1: Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis.
Unit 2: Further Chemical Reactions, Rates and Equilibrium, Calculations and Organic Chemistry.
Unit 3: Practical Skills

All units are completed at the end of Year 12

Key Stage 5

The department follows the CCEA AS and A2 Chemistry specifications. Pupils receive 8 x 35min periods per week in Year 13 to complete the following units:

Unit 1: Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
Unit 2: Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
Unit 3: Basic Practical Chemistry

In Year 14 they receive 9 x 35min periods per week to complete the following units:

Unit 1: Further Physical and Organic Chemistry
Unit 2: Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry
Unit 3: Further Practical Chemistry

Exam Success

We are extremely proud of the achievements of our pupils in the external examinations that facilitate their chosen pathway from school to third level education. A diverse range of degree pathways are pursued by our pupils such as medicine, engineering, computer science, and even law at institutions such as Russell Group universities, Oxford and Cambridge, as well as international destinations.

Single Award Science

Pupils may elect to study Single Award Science instead of the individual science subjects at GCSE level. This course covers smaller amounts of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. For information on each individual science visit the biology, chemistry and physics page.

Details can be found at https://ccea.org.uk/science-single-award

Beyond the Classroom

The Chemistry Department provides opportunity for pupils to get involved beyond their timetabled lessons through Science Club in the junior school as well as external competitions run by the Royal Society of Chemistry, such as Top of the Bench and the Crest Awards. Selected GCSE pupils are also offered the opportunity to attend the Chemistry at Work event run by RSC at QUB each year.

A-Level pupils are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves through participation in the Nuffield Bursary Programme, STEM summer schools at a range of UK schools and universities and entering the RSC Chemistry Olympiad. A diverse range of talks are offered each year by the careers department that pupils can attend from Year 12 upwards to enable them to gain an understanding and insight to the wide range of pathways and jobs that are available to them from studying Chemistry.