Chemistry

Chemistry at Northallerton School & Sixth Form College develops students’ understanding of matter, reactions and the chemical principles that underpin modern society.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced from Year 7 to Year 13 to build:

  • Secure knowledge of atomic structure and bonding

  • Understanding of chemical reactions and energy changes

  • Quantitative and analytical skills

  • Practical investigative competence

Students explore how chemistry explains the properties of materials, environmental change, sustainability and technological innovation.

 

Key Stage 3

Curriculum Intent

At Key Stage 3, students develop strong foundations in:

  • Particles and states of matter

  • Chemical reactions and patterns of reactivity

  • Acids and alkalis

  • The periodic table

  • The Earth’s atmosphere and resources

Year 9 acts as a transitional year into GCSE, introducing AQA GCSE specification content to prepare students for either Combined Science or Triple Science pathways.

KS3 Curriculum Overview

Term Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 (GCSE Transition)
Autumn Term 1 AA: Acids & Alkalis CR: Chemical Reactions CoTA: Chemistry of the Atmosphere
Autumn Term 2 AA: Acids & Alkalis CR: Chemical Reactions CoTA: Chemistry of the Atmosphere
Spring Term 1 PART: Particles PR: Patterns of Reactivity CoTA: Chemistry of the Atmosphere
Spring Term 2 PART: Particles PR: Patterns of Reactivity ASPT: Atomic Structure & Periodic Table
Summer Term 1 EC: Elements & Compounds RA: Rocks & Atmosphere ASPT: Atomic Structure & Periodic Table
Summer Term 2 EC: Elements & Compounds RA: Rocks & Atmosphere ASPT: Atomic Structure & Periodic Table

Year 9 introduces core GCSE concepts including quantitative chemistry, atomic structure and energy changes to ensure smooth progression into Key Stage 4.

Key Stage 4 (GCSE Chemistry)

Students study either:

  • Combined Science (Trilogy)

  • Separate Chemistry (Triple Science)

Triple Science includes additional depth in quantitative chemistry, rates of reaction, organic chemistry and chemical analysis.

KS4 Curriculum Overview

Term Year 10 (Combined & Triple) Year 11 (Combined) Year 11 (Triple Additional Depth)
Autumn Term 1 BSP: Bonding, Structure & Properties RECC: Rate & Extent of Chemical Change ORC: Organic Chemistry
Autumn Term 2 CHC: Chemical Changes ORC: Organic Chemistry CA: Chemical Analysis
Spring Term 1 ORC: Organic Chemistry CA: Chemical Analysis UR: Using Resources
Spring Term 2 CA: Chemical Analysis UR: Using Resources Quantitative Chemistry (Extended)
Summer Term 1 UR: Using Resources Bespoke QLA-informed Intervention Extended Practical & Analytical Skills
Summer Term 2 RECC: Rate of Reaction Bespoke QLA-informed Intervention Bespoke QLA-informed Intervention

Year 11 becomes increasingly responsive, with curriculum time directed by Question Level Analysis to maximise examination outcomes.

Sixth Form (Key Stage 5)

We offer A Level Chemistry.

The course develops advanced understanding across:

  • Physical Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Inorganic Chemistry

Students complete required practical investigations and develop analytical, mathematical and evaluative skills essential for higher study.

KS5 Curriculum Overview

Term Year 12 Year 13
Autumn Term 1 Atomic Structure & Amount of Substance Optical Isomerism
Autumn Term 2 Bonding Aldehydes & Ketones
Spring Term 1 Energetics Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives
Spring Term 2 Kinetics Thermodynamics & Kp
Summer Term 1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry Electrochemistry
Summer Term 2 Organic Chemistry (Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols) Transition Metals & Reactions of Ions

Further Year 13 study includes:

  • Aromatic Chemistry

  • Amines

  • Polymers

  • Amino Acids, Proteins & DNA

  • NMR and advanced analytical techniques

Literacy, Careers and Personal Development

Across all key stages:

  • Tier 3 chemical terminology is explicitly taught

  • Quantitative literacy is embedded through chemical calculations

  • Practical investigations develop analytical and evaluative writing

  • Sustainability and environmental responsibility are explored

  • Careers links include medicine, engineering, environmental science, pharmaceuticals and materials science

Students develop scientific literacy and critical thinking about how chemistry shapes the modern world.