What do Harry Potter's potions, Spiderman's web, the contents of Batman's utility belt and Sherlock Holmes' forensic detention all have in common?  The answer of course is Chemistry!  The study of matter, energy and applications to everyday living from food production to the fabrics we wear, is at the heart of Chemistry.

Without knowledge of Chemistry we cannot hope to understand the world around us. Chemistry can step up to the challenges of the modern world, be it answering energy needs, addressing climate change or improving our health.

Chemistry opens up a world of possibilities and expands your choices.  No matter how the world changes in the 21st century, Chemistry will always be at the centre of Science and at the heart of life.  A training in Chemistry gives you the skills needed for a wide range of careers.  Please see our Careers Department for further information on employment and further education options.

At Aranui High School, we offer Chemistry at both Year 12 and Year 13.  In Year 12, students work towards gaining credits for NCEA Level 2.  At Year 13, students work towards gaining credits for NCEA Level 3 and University Entrance.

Both courses offer a mix of internally and externally assessed standards.  There are prerequisites for entry into each level of study.  See the Curriculum Choice book for more details.

The key topics for Year 12 are:

• Qualitative Analysis - Identifying ions, solubility and complex ions
• Volumetric and Gravimetric Analysis
• Structure and Bonding - Covalent and ionic bonding, polarity, molecular shapes and period 3 Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry - Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, esters and carboxylic acids
• Chemical Reactivity - Enthalpy, equilibrium, acids and bases
• Oxidation-Reduction - Oxidants, reductants, ionic half equations and electrolytic cells

The key topics for Year 13 are:

• Quantitative and Volumetric Analysis - Moles, molar mass, concentration and titration
• Oxidation-Reduction - Oxidants and reductants, ionic half equations, balanced ionic equations, electrolytic cells and batteries
• Thermochemistry - Electron configuration, ionisation energy, transition metals, bond energies and enthalpy
• Organic Chemistry - Alkanoyls, amides and amines
• Aqueous Chemistry - H+ donors/acceptors, acids and bases, species in solution and pH