Class details

Who?
Students aged about 14 years. There is no prerequisite regarding work previously covered, but some exposure to the basic ideas of chemistry and physics will certainly be valuable.

What?
This course introduces some of the basic ideas of chemistry and physics, including the structure and properties of materials, forces, energy,  light, magnetism and chemical reactions.  Students also learn about the method of scientific enquiry through exercises in planning, analysis, evaluation and model-building. 

Although the course is just a brief introduction to physical science, it will help students to develop an interest, understanding and enjoyment of the subject that will prepare them for more detailed and advanced work in the later years.

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Who?
Students aged about 15 years. There is no prerequisite regarding work previously covered, but some exposure to the basic ideas of chemistry will definitely be helpful.

What?
This course offers an introduction to the core ideas of chemistry, including atoms and the structure of matter, the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, solutions and acids and bases. There is an emphasis on understanding the basic concepts and mastering the foundational skills so that students are well prepared for the more formal and detailed approach that is required for the IG Year 2 course and the IG exam.

Although this course is not essential for the IG Year 2 programme, students who have completed it will have a definite advantage.

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Who?
Students aged about 16 years. It will be a definite advantage if the student has completed the equivalent of our IG Year 1 Chemistry course, although this is not a formal prerequisite. Students who have had no previous exposure to Chemistry at a high school level may find the course quite demanding, especially in the beginning, as there will be many new concepts to learn and apply in a short space of time.

Students who have completed the curriculum may join this course during the last semester for revision and exam preparation.

What?
The Cambridge IG Chemistry curriculum provides an interesting and useful introduction to some foundational topics in chemistry, including atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, electrochemistry, chemical energetics and reaction rates, acids and bases, metals and organic chemistry. Some interesting industrial and environmental applications are also included.

This course spans three semesters, aiming to cover the whole IG syllabus in one year and leaving approximately ten weeks for revision and focussed exam preparation.

In order to cover the broad scope of the course we have one ninety-minute lesson per week. Homework exercises are also assigned and tests are written periodically. Solutions are provided for the homework so that students can check their work, and there is opportunity at the beginning of each lesson for students to discuss questions that they may have regarding the homework. Where possible, practical work or demonstrations are also included.

Classes are presented in Rietfontein, Pretoria, but may also be taken online.

Exam preparation
The last semester of the course (until exams are written) will be spent on focussed exam preparation. During this period we make extensive use of past exam papers so that students can develop their skills to the required level of mastery. Time is also spent summarising and revising important topics where necessary.

New students who have completed the curriculum may also join this class for exam preparation during the last semester. (See under "Class details" for Exam prep class.)

Tutor
The tutor for this course is Bruce Button.

Who?

Students who have mastered the concepts of the IG Chemistry course. Students entering AS Level Chemistry should ideally have written the IG examination and should have obtained at least a C. Students who have not written the IG examination but can, nevertheless, demonstrate their competence on the IG Chemistry syllabus may also register for this course.

What?
The Cambridge AS Chemistry curriculum covers many of the same topics as the IG curriculum, but deals with them in significantly more detail. This is very satisfying for students seeking to understand the world more deeply as phenomena which were previously just accepted in a matter of fact way can now be understood!

This course is based on the Cambridge University Press text book. Lessons involve detailed, systematic explanations of the various concepts and skills, and provide students with the opportunity of interacting,  asking questions and discussing the material. Attention is given to the needs of each student.

Homework is prescribed each week and students have the opportunity of discussing questions arising from the homework at the next lesson. Students also write tests from time to time to provide an opportunity of measuring their progress.

The course includes a week of practical work in the July holidays so that students are properly prepared for their practical exam.

Substantial time will be allocated at the end of the course for revision and exam practice.

Tutor
The tutor for this course is Mia Ackermann.

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