Chemistry

We all experience chemical reactions continuously whether it is breathing or baking a cake, driving a car or listening to a battery-driven ipod! The chemistry course in Years 7 to 9 begins to offer some explanation of the chemistry we experience in our daily lives through experimental work, powerpoint presentations, videos and computer research as well as more traditional teaching methods.

In Year 7 laboratory safety and experimental procedure are emphasised as the pupils investigate acids and alkalis, separation techniques and the particulate nature of matter. In Year 8 many different chemical reactions are studied as the pupils explore the differences between elements, mixtures and compounds. The reactions of metals, the combustion of fuels and thermal decomposition reactions are all studied. In Year 9, the pupils are introduced to the structure of the atom and continue to investigate chemical reactions. Electrolysis, oxidation and reduction, metal extractions and the factors which influence the rate of a reaction are all studied. In Years 10 and 11 the AQA GCSE syllabus is followed which develops and expands the topics covered in Key Stage 3. For more details on detailed subject options view the Option Blocks webpage

Out of the Classroom

Red House pupils take part in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s prestigious ‘Top of the Bench’ national competition. Organised for 14-16 year old pupils, the competition involves regional heats and eventual entry in the National Final, held at Burlington House, London.

Department of Chemistry Personnel

Mr. David Frank BSc PGCE Newcastle & Carnegie

Back to Science Homepage