Chemistry IB Higher and Standard Level

Chemistry IB (Higher and Standard Level)

CHEMISTRY (HL/SL)

International Baccalaureate

Campus: Cheadle and Marple (27.02.09)

This course is offered as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. You will take 3 Higher Level subjects and 3 Standard Level subjects and complete components in Theory of Knowledge, Creativity Action Service and an Extended Essay.

Course overview

The Chemistry teaching within the IB Diploma will concentrate on providing you with the theoretical knowledge, understanding and experimental skills to achieve your potential within the subject. The intention of the course is to help you become an independent learner; to be able to solve problems through analytical thinking; to be confident in decision making and to develop the ability to successfully apply theory to experimental work. In addition, you should be able to make links with other Sciences in order to find answers to a wider range of scientific issues.

The topics covered in Standard Level and Higher Level are as follows:

Quantitative chemistry Atomic structure

Periodicity Bonding

Energetics Kinetics

Equilibrium Acids and bases

Oxidation and reduction Organic chemistry

Measurement and data processing

In addition there are three optional topic areas at both levels:

Modern analytical chemistry; Human biochemistry and

Further organic chemistry

How you will learn

The course will be taught over two years, at SL and HL in 150 and 240 hours respectively which includes the time allocation for the theoretical (110 hours at SL/180 hours at HL) and experimental parts of the subject (40 hours at SL/60 hours at HL). Throughout the course you will be internally assessed according to the descriptors for the different levels of achievement and also externally assessed through written examination.

Teaching methods and content will be structured to allow diverse learning experiences: opportunities to develop writing skills, and discussion and group work skills will be embedded within the course, alongside more traditional teacher input. Your work and progress will be monitored, and feedback offered via a number of mechanisms, including the colleges existing systems for regular progress reviews as detailed on the assessment calendar, and consultation with parents.

How you will be assessed

External Assessment:

You will be externally assessed at the end of the two year course in written examinations (Papers 1, 2, 3) counting 76% for the final mark.

Internal Assessment:

Throughout the two years your practical work will be internally assessed and moderated by the IBO, counting for 24% of the final mark. The list of practical activities will include a fair number of experimental activities that will allow you to achieve your best possible grade in practical skills. You will be assessed on five criteria: design, data collection and processing, conclusion and evaluation, manipulative skills and personal skills. Within each criterion, you will have to fulfil the requirements of the three different aspects, in order to achieve the highest grade.

Special entry requirements

Standard college entry criteria for I.B., normally 6 GCSEs at Grade B or above in appropriate subjects. You should also have GCSE Chemistry at Grade A or A* (or the international equivalent).

What students say about the I.B.

The I.B. is challenging yet great fun it educates students for success beyond school or college

I think I.B. students are much better prepared for University, as they have good time management skills and really know how to learn

Other useful information

Career options are many and varied for students with chemistry skills. Universities welcome I.B. students to study for chemistry-related degree courses such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.