Chemistry (Y12-13)
Chemistry permeates all aspects of our lives. From the clothes we wear, to the drugs we use to treat life-threatening diseases, chemistry is at the forefront of scientific research. Modern research chemists work collaboratively to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, including how to feed and power an ever-increasing population. As well as scientific research, a qualification in chemistry would allow you to follow career paths in medicine, pharmacy, and even education. Whilst the transferable skills you acquire, such as problem solving and investigative skills, will make you a desirable candidate for a career in patent law, accountancy, or even publishing.
Chemistry is all about application, and at CIS you will develop the skills and attributes needed to explore your scientific curiosity. Our approach reflects the practical nature of chemistry, and at CIS you will have the capacity to move beyond the limitations of the syllabus. You will develop advanced experimental skills through the synthesis of painkillers, whilst exploring how computational modeling is being used to bring new drugs to market. You will even be able to get to grips with a 3D printer, which can be extremely useful in making bespoke laboratory equipment. The use of technology will also be at the heart of teaching, providing you with access to online resources and recorded lectures, to better support you throughout your studies. All of this will provide you with an excellent qualification, and a set of skills that will be applied through your career.
Year 12/13 IB
NOTE: As this is a new specification, the topic orders we teach are subject to change.
Slide right to see full table as required
Year 12
Term 1a | Term 1b | Term 2a | Term 2b | Term 3a | Term 3b | |
Topics |
2. Atomic Structure 12. Atomic Structure (HL) 3. Periodicity 13. The periodic table (HL) 4. Chemical Bonding and structure 14. Chemical structure (HL) |
4. Chemical Bonding and structure 14. Chemical structure (HL) 1. Stochiometric Relationships |
1. Stochiometric Relationships 11. Measurement and data processing 5. Energetics/thermochemistry 15. Energetics/thermochemistry (HL) |
5. Energetics/thermochemistry 15. Energetics/thermochemistry (HL) Group 4 project |
6. Chemical Kinetics 16. Chemical Kinetics (HL) 7. Equilibrium 17. Equilibrium (HL) |
8. Acids and Bases 18. Acids and Bases (HL) |
Big questions |
Where does science originate from? Where do theories come from? Why are models important? Is the periodic table correct and complete? |
How accurate are scientific drawings? How do we determine chemical identity? What is an amount? Is maths the true science? |
What is absolute zero? How can data/information be communicated? What is energy? |
How do we fuel a growing world? Where to the boundaries between sciences end? Do they? |
How do scientists exploit chemistry? What is equilibrium? |
What makes a chemical dangerous? What makes an acid strong or weak? |
Assessment |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions End of term assessments |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions Group 4 project |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions End of year assessments |
Co-curricular links |
Physics: Atomic structure History: Mendeleev and the periodic table Environmental science: Natural materials |
Environment science: Natural materials Mathematics: Calculations |
Mathematics: Calculations Biology/Physics: Measurements and data processing Visual arts: Displaying experimental data |
Business management: Fuels Group 4 subjects |
Mathematics: Calculations Business management: Optimising chemical reactions History: Haber process |
Mathematics: Calculations Environmental science: Importance of neutralisation |
Cultural links |
The use of models in science IUPAC authority Exploring international research ventures International scientists: Mendeleev |
Salt mining in Cheshire Desalination (quenching the worlds thirst) SI units |
International scientists: Avogadro and Hess Science: The international language Statistics in drug trials |
UK power and energy sources Modern wars: Battle for fuel |
Global warming International scientists: Haber Scientists at war: Haber |
The chemical industry Dangerous jobs Origins of scientific words: i.e. Latin, Arabic Extracting chemicals from nature |
Events |
RSC Chemistry Week Prepare activities |
RSC Chemistry Week Deliver activities |
British Science Week Prepare activities |
British Science Week Deliver activities |
The Big Bang Fair Prepare activities |
The Big Bang Fair Deliver activities |
Year 13
Term 1a | Term 1b | Term 2a | Term 2b | Term 3a | Term 3b | |
Topics |
9. Redox processes 19. Redox processes (HL) 10. Organic chemistry 20. Organic chemistry (HL) |
10. Organic chemistry 20. Organic chemistry (HL) 11. Measurement and data processing 21. Measurement and analysis (HL) |
Individual investigation Option D Option D (HL) |
Option D Option D (HL) Revision and exam preparation |
Revision and exam preparation | Revision and exam preparation |
Big questions |
Are humans just a series of chemical reactions? How do batteries work? How are computer models used in chemistry? |
How do we identify different chemicals? |
What areas of chemistry do you want to explore? How are drugs made? How long does it take to make a drug? |
Is nature the best medicine? Why do some drugs kill? |
IB EXAMINATIONS | |
Assessment |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions End of term assessments |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions Individual investigation |
Practical scheme of work MCQ/Plickers Exam questions Research tasks Online submissions |
IB EXAMINATIONS | |
Co-curricular links |
Business management: Chemical products Visual arts: Displaying chemical reactions |
Environmental science: Chemical structures Biology/Physics: Measurements and data processing |
English language: Essay writing Biology: Pharmacology |
Biology: Pharmacology Environmental science: Chemistry in society |
IB EXAMINATIONS | |
Cultural links |
Shrinking chemistry: Batteries Making space exploration possible Importance of petrochemical industry |
Compound analysis: Airport security Chemical databases Chemicals in nature Wearable chemicals (polymers) |
History of therapeutics Drug development and design |
Medicine in the media Changing epidemics: AIDS case study Cancer care |
IB EXAMINATIONS | |
Events |
RSC Chemistry Week Prepare activities |
RSC Chemistry Week Deliver activities |
British Science Week Prepare activities |
British Science Week Deliver activities |
IB EXAMINATIONS |