London
Friday 07 June 2013

Download Chemistry brochure

Course Description and Aims

The A2 modules of Chemistry contain many topics that are challenging to both the student learner and the teacher.  An outstanding chemistry teacher has to be able to explain the challenging topics while still maintaining the interest and motivation of the students.  The teacher must also ensure that students achieve excellent examination results.

This lively course, led by an experienced teacher, will provide guidance for teaching many of these challenging ideas together with proven strategies for improving student understanding.

The course will end with active support and guidance on how to improve students’ performance in the written examinations focusing particularly on the stretch and challenge questions and the common misconceptions that lose marks.

What are the benefits of attending this course?

By the end of the course delegates will have:

• More awareness of the challenging topics within the A level specification
• Examples of teaching techniques that enhance and improve the delivery of an A level Chemistry course
• Improved understanding of the challenging topics
• Improved knowledge of the skills wanted by examiners
• Discovered ways of stretching and challenging the most able students

Who should attend?

All teachers of A level Chemistry

Resources & Materials

• On arrival at this course you will receive a specially prepared file containing detailed notes, teaching materials and resources which will be of immediate practical benefit in the classroom
• You will also receive a full set of additional resources electronically

Course Leader: Phil Hills

Phil Hills has taught chemistry up to A level for 32 years, eventually becoming Head of Chemistry at King Edward VI School, Bury St Edmunds.  He has been a senior examiner for A, AS and GCSE for one of the examination boards for over 20 years.  He is the author of several chemistry books (text books and revision books), again at A level and GCSE.

Programme

10.00 – 11.00am: Challenging area of organic chemistry

• Spectroscopic analysis
• Applying knowledge and understanding to novel contexts
• Organic synthesis – the integration of chemical ideas

11.00 – 11.15am: Discussion: coffee break

11.15 – 12.00pm: Challenging area of inorganic chemistry

• Chemical bonding – a more demanding approach
• Applying knowledge and understanding to novel contexts

12.00 – 1.00pm: Challenging areas of physical chemistry

• Assessing the feasibility of reactions – entropy, electrochemistry and free energy
• Equilibria and rates – a quantitative approach
• Lattice enthalpy and associated enthalpy changes
• Applying knowledge and understanding to novel contexts

1.00 – 2.00pm: Lunch and informal discussion

2.00 – 2.45pm: Supporting stretch and challenge

• What is stretch and challenge?
• Integrating Stretch and Challenge into your teaching

2.45 – 2.55pm: Discussion: afternoon tea

2.55 – 3.45pm: Examination preparation: reaching the top grades

• What makes a stretch and challenge question?
• Common misconceptions
• Examination tips and techniques

“Very useful day!  Some brilliant ideas that can be used in the classroom.  Excellent resources.”
June 2012