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Chemistry

Year 11 - Elective

Length of Course: Full Year
Department: Science and IT
Head of Department: Mrs Carina Jansen
Year Available: 2025

Chemistry explores and explains the composition and behaviour of matter and the chemical processes that occur on Earth and beyond. Chemical models and theories are used to describe and explain known chemical reactions and processes. Chemistry underpins the production and development of energy, the maintenance of clean air and water, the production of food, medicines and new materials, and the treatment of wastes.

Curriculum focus

Unit 1 - How can the diversity of materials be explained?

Students investigate the chemical properties of a range of materials from metals and salts to polymers and nano-materials. Students study relationships between properties, structure and bonding forces within and between particles of various sizes. Students are introduced to quantitative concepts including the mole concept.

Areas of Study:

  • How do the chemical structures of materials explain their properties and reactions?

  • How are materials classified?

  • How can chemical principles be applied to create a more sustainable future?

Unit 2 - How do chemical reactions shape the natural world?

Students explore the physical and chemical properties of water, the reactions that occur in water and various methods of water analysis. They explore the relationship between the bonding forces of water and its physical and chemical properties. In this context students investigate solubility, concentration, pH and reactions in water including precipitation, acid-base and redox.

Areas of Study:

  • How do chemicals interact with water?

  • How are chemicals in water measured and analysed?

  • How do quantitative scientific investigations develop our understanding of chemical reactions?

Assessment

Student assessment will be based on internally set and corrected school-assessed coursework.

Assessment tasks will be selected from a range of tasks including:

  • Class topic tests

  • Research investigation (Unit 1, AOS 3)

  • Practical work

  • Research investigation (Unit 2, AOS 3)

  • Assignments and in class tasks

  • Examinations at mid-year (Unit 1) and end-of-year (Unit 1 & 2).

Links

For more detailed information, please click on the link/s below:

Key Resource

  • Students will need a scientific calculator

  • Students will order the textbook and workbook from the booklist

  • Edrolo Units 1 & 2 Chemistry Resource will be purchased and distributed to students by the school (this will be charged on your College account)