The challenges to comprehend gce a chemistry continue to be evident with an extant cohort. Whilst a few have responded to feedback with the necessary determination, by way of (improved but only by some!) independent study, others appear to have realised the gravity of the situation and simply "given up".
When a Teacher decides to stop and "re-teach" content, the consequences are grave at gce a level chemistry. The typical 'scheme of work' does not allow for such action and often assumes sufficient prior attainment; if the latter is found to be false (blame financial pressures of p16© provision) then such a scheme should not be considered appropriate. An alternative? As alluded to in a previous posts about schools being more imaginative and promotion of the extended degree, the pedagogical decision to pause progress through a course should be more realistic when provision is allowed for by design, or by plan. Instead of weak students being exposed to the pressure, the pace of the standard two-year gce as curriculum, they are enrolled onto a three year gce a(s) course with options to finish a mixture of gce a(s) and gce a qualifications suitable for onward study (more of that, later below).
In continuation of a previous post about satellite universities in London, additional such establishments have also been encountered:
On one of those "clear-out" days (or what it a night?), a dusty green polymer box was found and memories recalled of building chemical compounds models. Also remembered with a bit of sadness was the frustration of the cost to acquire additional kits in order to build more chemicals. After the (nostalgic) decision not to dispose, decided to do a quick search for a digital equivalent. Had used "molview" before but that seems to going in the inevitable direction of en...tification; eventually found CheMagic virtual molecular model kit). As needed in a world of restrictive amgaf infrastructure, both teacher and student can build molecules via a web browser. Well recommended.
The latest philosophical thought during cycling therapy in this city: the journey (as life) is best enjoyed looking forward, with(out) knowledge of the final destination. Feel free to pause, look back (occasionally), but don't forget to resume the journey...
