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Chemistry

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Chemistry Department

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Members of staff:

Mrs Marion Melvin  Principal Teacher  Full-time
Mrs Linda Mooney   Full-time with Biology department

Outline of S1 & 2 Syllabus

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The course in S1 consists of three main sections

Section 1  Introducing Chemistry
Section 2 The Particle Theory of Matter
Section 3  Solvents and Solutions

S1 have 1 period of Chemistry per week and the emphasis is on practical work and investigations linked to the theory.  There is also the opportunity to carry out research into Famous Scientists.

S2 Chemistry course consists of three Sections
Section 1 The Air
Section 2 Acids
Section 3 The Earth and Metals

S2 have 2 periods of Chemistry per week and again the emphasis is on pupil experiments with research into Pollution and investigations.
As the courses are predominantly practical in nature, homework is based on the work carried out that week in class.  It is expected that pupils in S1 will spend 15 minutes per week and in S2 15 to 20 minutes per week.  Types of homework include written questions, simple practical tests, preparation for projects and learning the work studied in class.

Outline of S3 & 4 Syllabus

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S3 and S4 follow the Standard Grade Chemistry course (Arrangements 1999) with exams in May of S3 and Prelim exams in February of S4.  Pupils are presented for both General and Credit examinations in May of S4.
The course consists of Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving and Practical Abilities and Investigations.  There are 15 Topics covered in the 2 year course.
The course contains a large amount of practical work to reinforce the theory taught.
Homework aims to consolidate the work done in class and consists of formal written homework, completion of work started in class, learning for end of Topic tests and formal revision for examinations.

Outline of S5 & 6 Syllabus – course choices

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S5 follow the Higher Chemistry course with 3 Units which are subdivided into 5 or 6 topics.  At the end of each Unit, pupils sit a NAB and an Extension test.  There is also a large amount of practical work with 9 Prescribed Practicals and other pupil practicals which are used to demonstrate the theory.  Formal homework is on a weekly basis and there is also revision work before NABs, tests and exams.  Pupils are also expected to study their notes every week.

There are always S6 pupils following the Advanced Higher Chemistry course.  Many of these pupils continue to study Chemistry, Medicine or Dentistry at universities across the country.  The course consists of 3 Units and an Investigation which forms one fifth of the final mark.
Again the course has a large practical element with 12 Prescribed Practicals.  The pupils are free to choose their own Investigation with assistance from the staff and the final written project is marked externally.