Stage 6 - Chemistry


Course Overview

The Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus explores the structure, composition and reactions of and between all elements, compounds and mixtures that exist in the Universe. The discovery and synthesis of new compounds, the monitoring of elements and compounds in the environment, and an understanding of industrial processes and their applications to life processes are central to human progress and our ability to develop future industries and sustainability.

The course further develops an understanding of chemistry through the application of Working Scientifically skills. It focuses on the exploration of models, understanding of theories and laws, and examination of the interconnectedness between seemingly dissimilar phenomena.

Chemistry involves using differing scales, specialised representations, explanations, predictions and creativity, especially in the development and pursuit of new materials. It requires students to use their imagination to visualise the dynamic, miniscule world of atoms in order to gain a better understanding of how chemicals interact.

The Chemistry course builds on students’ knowledge and skills developed in the Science Stage 5 course and increases their understanding of chemistry as a foundation for undertaking investigations in a wide range or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields. A knowledge and understanding of chemistry is often the unifying link between interdisciplinary studies.

Course Content

Year 11

  • Module 1: Properties and Structure of Matter
  • Module 2: Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry
  • Module 3: Reactive Chemistry
  • Module 4: Drivers of Reactions

Year 12

  • Module 5: Equilibrium and Acid Reactions
  • Module 6: Acid/Base Reactions
  • Module 7: Organic Chemistry
  • Module 8: Applying Chemical Ideas
Assessment

Both the Year 11 and HSC Courses will be assessed using the following:

  • Module tests
  • Laboratory reports
  • Research assignments
  • Open-ended investigations
  • Depth Studies (compulsory in Year 11 and 12)
HSC Examination
  • 3 hour paper
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills

Chemistry is a very demanding academic course and as such, a grade B or better in Science and 5.3 or 5.2 Mathematics for the Year 10 end of year report are the prerequisites for this course. If this prerequisite is not met, a student must make application to the Assistant Head of Secondary: Teaching and Learning.

Essential skills include: intuitiveness in Science, and the ability to formulate and test strategies to produce scientific models from practical situations. Students need to be independent and motivated learners as there are a number of self-directed problem-solving components to each module.

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