Year 10 – 11
Chemistry
Key Stage: KS4
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification Gained: GCSE Chemistry
We aim to cultivate confident and passionate learners who can apply the big ideas of science in real-life contexts by developing strong scientific literacy and sparking curiosity.
GCSE Biology at Hammersmith Academy deepens students’ understanding of living GCSE Chemistry at Hammersmith Academy builds on the secure foundations established throughout Key Stage 3. Our curriculum is designed around a spiral model, ensuring that students revisit key scientific ideas multiple times across the course to deepen understanding, strengthen retention and build mastery.
Students learn through:
- Retrieval practice to strengthen long-term memory
- Practical investigations developing “working scientifically” skills
- Synoptic links that highlight relationships between chemical concepts
- Mathematical integration, including formulae, calculations and proportional reasoning
- Modelling and visualisation, supporting both conceptual and abstract learning
- Assessment for learning, where targeted feedback supports progress for all learners
Inclusive teaching strategies ensure full accessibility for all students, including those with SEND, with structured scaffolds, guided practice and differentiated resources built into lessons. The curriculum deliberately places more demanding mathematical and conceptual topics in Year 11, allowing students to develop confidence gradually before encountering higher-level Chemistry content. At the end of the course, time is provided for students to revisit key ideas, refine their understanding of required practicals and prepare effectively for GCSE assessments.
Year-by-Year Curriculum
Year 10
A strong foundation is built across bonding, reactions, organic chemistry and chemical analysis. Single Science students encounter deeper content in several modules.
Modules:
- Module 1: Ionic Bonding and Ionic Compounds
- Module 2: Transverse Waves (Physics crossover — retains synoptic connection for Combined Science)
- Module 3: Rates Part 2 + Metals & Acids
- Module 4: Covalent Bonding + Organic Chemistry (Single Science)
- Module 5: Organic Chemistry & Sustainable Environment + Using Resources (Single) + Chemical Analysis (Single)
- Module 6: Rates of Reaction — Equilibrium + Chemistry Paper II Review + Rates of Reaction (Single)
Students also carry out required practicals linked to rates, chromatography and chemical changes.
Year 11
Year 11 builds on foundational knowledge while introducing more mathematically involved and conceptually abstract content. Emphasis is placed on exam technique, modelling, problem-solving and secure understanding of chemical processes.
Modules:
- Module 1: Chemistry Review — Core Concepts Consolidation
- Module 2: Quantitative Chemistry + Chemistry Paper 1 Review + Stars (Single Science) + Quantitative Chemistry (Single)
- Module 3: Electrolysis — Theory, Practical Skills & Application
- Module 4: Chemistry Synoptic
- Module 5: Topic information to be added here when provided
- Module 6: Topic information to be added here when provided
Year 11 concludes with structured revision and mastery practice to prepare students for both chemistry papers.
Skills Gained
GCSE Chemistry develops a wide range of transferable skills, including:
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Mathematical reasoning and proportionality
- Practical laboratory skills and safe handling of chemicals
- Interpretation of data, graphs and experimental results
- Evaluation of scientific models and evidence
- Problem-solving and logical reasoning
- Ability to explain processes clearly using precise scientific language
These skills support progression into A-Level Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology and a wide range of STEM pathways.
Partnerships & Enrichment
Students benefit from enrichment experiences that bring chemistry to life and broaden scientific understanding, including:
- Royal Society of Chemistry events
- Science Museum visits
- STEM fairs and competitions
- West London Partnership learning opportunities
- Up Learn (if used) for extended revision
- Practical masterclasses and experiment-focused workshops
These experiences deepen engagement and help students connect Chemistry to real-world contexts and future careers.
Potential Careers
Studying Chemistry opens doors to many scientific, technical and research-based careers, including:
Chemical Engineering | Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy | Biochemistry and Genetics | Environmental Science and Sustainability | Forensic Science | Materials Science and Nanotechnology | Food Science and Nutrition | Research & Laboratory Work | Pharmaceuticals and Drug Development
Chemistry is a facilitating science highly valued by universities and employers.
