Advanced Higher Chemistry

Overview

AdvH is suitable for learners who are secure in their learning of Higher Chemistry and can respond to a level of challenge, especially those considering further study or a career in Chemistry and related disciplines.

Course Content

AdvH Chemistry encourages independent learning and allows learners to make connections between science and the world in which they live, learn and work. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the sciences, learners taking this course along with other science subjects will enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding.

Assessment

Each Unit has two Outcomes which are assessed internally. However, Outcome 1 only needs to be passed once and so will normally be assessed as part of the Project in Unit 3. Most of the evidence will  generated from the Project Day-Book.

Outcome 1:-   Apply skills of scientific inquiry and draw on knowledge and understanding to research, plan and carry out investigative practical work on a chosen topic by:

1.1     Gathering and recording information from sources

1.2     Planning / designing a practical investigation, including assessment of risk  and safety measures

1.3     Carrying out practical work safely, recording results / data appropriately.

Outcome 2:-   Draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas of this Unit and apply scientific skills by:

2.1     Making accurate statements and giving clear descriptions / explanations

Outcome 2 is a set of questions covering all of the key areas of knowledge and understanding for each Unit. 50% correct across a Unit needed to pass. Normally, only two attempts at each Key Area can be provided.

The Final Exam will last 2½ hours and will contribute a further 100 marks (30 marks available from Project) towards the final grade awarded.

Organisation of Learning

In class – For the Theory Units a more University style Lecture Tutorial approach will be used where Powerpoints, Videos, Animations and other board resources will be used to allow the teacher to pass on their knowledge, experience and passion for the subject. Learners will be encouraged to ask rather than answer questions.

Printed Notes will be issued in advance to allow learners to read into a Topic before a lesson as well as to then consolidate on the content covered.

Key Area Questions will be attempted as and when they are covered in class while Topic Tests will be used to measure progress.

For the Researching Chemistry Unit, learners will be provided with the opportunity to experience 14 prescribed Skills & Techniques. Normally these can be covered in 5 - 10 experiments. Writing up these experiments will provide the opportunity to learn the Stoichiometric Calculations in context , just as they will feature in the Final Exam.

Study – Learners must be prepared to take more responsibility for time and task management. Notes can be read, Self-Check & Exam style Questions tackled, Experiments written up, Calculations practiced etc. Resources available through Scholar can also be accessed - particularly practice Tests.

In addition, learners should be prepared to look beyond the resources provided in school. AdvH Chemistry overlaps with most first year courses at Universities and Colleges worldwide meaning that most of their resources are also suitable for extending knowledge and understanding. 

Homework – The teacher will help make the learner aware of what they could and should be doing but the management of this is completely the responsibility of the learner