NSSCO Chemistry Syllabus
NSSCO Chemistry Syllabus
NSSCO Chemistry Syllabus
CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS
ORDINARY LEVEL
SYLLABUS CODE: 6117
GRADE 10 - 11
ISBN: 978-99916-66-57-0
Printed by NIED
Website: http://www.nied.edu.na
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
2. Rationale ...................................................................................................................... 2
3. Aims ...................................................................................................................... 2
7. Scheme of assessment................................................................................................ 39
The Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) level syllabus is designed as a
two-year course leading to examination after completion of the Junior Secondary phase. The
syllabus is designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum for Basic Education
(NCBE) and has been approved by the National Examination, Assessment and Certification
Board (NEACB).
The Namibia National Curriculum Guidelines, applicable at the stage of senior secondary
education (Grades 10 and 11) and at equivalent stages of non-formal education, as a part of
life-long learning, recognise the uniqueness of the learner and adhere to the philosophy of
learner-centred education.
Thus the Namibia National Curriculum Guidelines should provide opportunities for
developing essential skills across the various fields of study. Such skills cannot be developed
in isolation and they may differ from context to context according to a field of study. The skills
marked with an * are relevant to this syllabus.
This syllabus describes the intended learning and assessment for Chemistry in the NSSC
phase. As a subject, Chemistry is within the natural science area/areas of learning in the
curriculum, but has thematic links to other subjects across the curriculum.
The subject Chemistry places strong emphasis on the learners’ understanding of the physical
and biological world around them at the local, regional and international levels. It thus
includes how societies use natural resources to satisfy their needs, and how the environment
may be changed in ecologically sustainable ways. At this phase and subject area, the
application of scientific knowledge and attitudes to health is of special relevance for the
individual, the family, and society as a whole as well as the environment around us including
the sustainability of our natural resources. Critical thinking, investigating phenomena,
interpreting data, and applying knowledge to practical (experimental and investigative) skills
and abilities are essential to understanding the value and limitations of natural scientific
knowledge and methods, and their application to daily life. This requires advanced
technology through the efficient and effective usage of equipment, materials and processes.
Modern technology is required in order to assist our learners and society to solve problems
through planning, design, realisation, and evaluation of activities and goals.
3. AIMS
The aims of the syllabus are the same for all learners. These are set out below and describe
the educational purposes of a course in Chemistry for the NSSCO examination. They are
not listed in order of priority.
3. Develop attitudes relevant to Chemistry such as: concern for accuracy and precision;
objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness.
4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
4.3 Progression
NSSCO levels are general qualifications that enable learners to progress either directly to
employment, or to proceed to further qualifications. Learners who are awarded grades C to
A* in NSSCO are well prepared to follow courses leading to Namibia Senior Secondary
Certificate Advanced Subsidiary (NSCCAS) level Chemistry.
Topic 2: Matter
2.1 Atoms, elements, molecules and compounds
2.1.1 The particle nature of matter
2.1.2 Atomic structure
2.2 Isotopes
2.3 Periodic table
2.3.1 Groups and periods
2.3.2 Periodicity
2.3.3 Group properties
2.4 Bonding: the structure of matter
2.4.1 Building blocks of matter
2.4.2 Ionic bonding / electrovalent bonds
2.4.3 Molecules and covalent bonds
2.4.4 Giant covalent structures
2.4.5 Metallic bonding
2.4.6 Writing and balancing equations
Topic 3: Materials
3.1 Types of materials
3.2 Building materials
3.3 Cleaning materials
3.4 Nano-materials
Topic 4: Stoichiometry
4.1 The mole concept
4.2 Mole calculations
Topic 5: Electrochemistry
5.1 Electrodes and electrolytes
Topic 9: Metals
9.1 Properties of metals
9.2 Reactivity series
9.3 Extraction of metals
9.4 Uses of metals
The practical activities, approaches or demonstrations required for Topic 1 Scientific processes are listed below. These are considered
basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
carry out crystallisation of a salt solution (cross reference to 7.4)
carry out distillation of fermented fruits/juice
carry out filtration e.g. muddy river water, water and sand mixture, filtration of an insoluble salt (precipitate) from solution (cross reference to 7.4)
investigate the components of coloured mixtures e.g. food colouring, OHP pens, ink, leaf or flower petal colour
The practical activities, approaches or demonstrations required for Topic 2 Matter are listed below. These are considered basic and all
learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
investigate the rate of diffusion between hydrogen chloride gas and ammonia gas in a glass tube
investigate everyday examples of diffusion in terms of particles e.g. the spread of perfumes and cooking aromas, tea and coffee grains in hot
and cold water
build models of atoms, mixtures, compounds (including giant covalent structures) by using little spheres of various sizes and colour
investigate reactions of lithium, sodium and potassium with water
investigate how Group I metals form soluble hydroxides with water and cannot be precipitated
test for the pH of the hydroxides of Group I metals (cross reference to 6.1, 6.2)
test for the hydrogen gas evolved from reactions of lithium and Group II metals with water (cross reference to 6.7)
identification of lithium, sodium and potassium by flame tests (cross reference to 8.1)
investigate the trend in reactivity of Cl, Br and I
investigate the reaction of Cl, Br and I with other halide ions
investigate the coloured nature of compounds of transition elements (eg. CuSO4)
investigate the differences between elements, compounds and a mixtures (e.g. using iron filings and sulfur; table salt solution) (see 1.5)
investigate the differences in volatility, solubility, melting/boiling points, electrical conductivity between ionic and covalent compounds
investigate electrical conductivity, melting/boiling points, malleability/ductility of metals
The practical activities, approaches or demonstrations required for Topic 3 Materials are listed below. These are considered basic and all
learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
design and conduct experiments to investigate the compressive and tensile strength of different building materials
carry out surveys in the local environment to identify the uses of different building materials
design and carry out an experiment to investigate the insulating properties of different roofing materials
investigate emulsifying effects of soaps and detergents
prepare soap through hydrolysis of fat or oil
The practical activities, approaches or demonstrations required for Topic 5 Electrochemistry are listed below. These are considered basic
and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
investigate the conductivity of a salt solution such as table salt (NaCl) and an acidic solution such as a lemon juice
carry out the electroplating of zinc with copper sulfate solution
The practical activities, approaches or demonstrations required for Topic 6 Chemical reactions are listed below. These are considered basic and
all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
investigate how much energy can be obtained from the burning of methylated spirits
investigate factors determining rate of reaction between metal or metal carbonate and diluted acid
investigate the dehydration of hydrated copper(II) sulfate and hydrated cobalt(II) chloride
Investigate the decomposition of H2O2 using MnO2 as the catalyst; and the decomposition of tartaric acid (C4H6O6) using Co salt as the catalyst
Investigate the decomposition of AgCl in the presence of light
The practical activities, approaches or demonstrations required for Topic 7 Acids, bases and salts are listed below. These are considered
basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
measure the pH of a variety of solutions and place them on a pH scale
use solutions of equal concentration to classify them as strong or weak acids or alkalis by measurement of pH
investigate the reactions of acids with metal oxides, metal hydroxides and carbonates and test any gas released
observe with a magnifying glass the crystals of the salt formed after crystallisation
carry out titration of an acid and an alkali using a suitable indicator to determine the end-point as a method of salt preparation
prepare NaCl and CuSO4 salts through neutralisation
prepare insoluble salts
(NOTE: From Topic 8, flame tests and the tests for gases may be tested in Papers 1, 2 and 3.
Tests for cations with sodium hydroxide or ammonia and tests for anions will only be tested in Paper 3.
The notes for use in qualitative analysis (Annexe B) will NOT be supplied with Paper 3).
8.1 Identification of ions in realise the importance describe the use of the following tests to identify:
solution of chemical aqueous cations:
identifications of ions in ammonium, aluminium, zinc, calcium, copper(II), iron(II) and iron(III) using
solution aqueous sodium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia as appropriate (formulae of
complex ions are not required)
lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, barium by flame tests
aqueous anions:
carbonate (by reaction with dilute acid and then with limewater),
chloride (by reaction under acidic conditions with aqueous silver nitrate),
bromide (by reaction under acidic conditions with aqueous silver nitrate),
iodide (by reaction under acidic conditions with aqueous silver nitrate),
nitrate (by reduction with aluminium to ammonia),
sulfate (by reaction under acidic conditions with aqueous barium ions)
8.2 Identification of gases know the identification describe the use of the following tests to identify: ammonia (using damp red litmus
of gases paper), carbon dioxide (using limewater), chlorine (using damp litmus paper),
hydrogen (using a lighted splint), oxygen (using a glowing splint)
The practical activities, approaches or demonstrations required for Topic 8 Qualitative analysis are listed below. These are considered
basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
obtain samples of carbon dioxide, oxygen and hydrogen in the laboratory
carry out all tests as listed in annexe B of the syllabus
carry out some tests to identify the cation and anion in an unknown sample of a soluble salt
carry out all tests to identify the unknown gas released in a certain reaction
10.8.1 Synthetic polymers understand polymers in terms describe polymers in terms of large molecules built up from small units
of large molecules built up from (monomers), different polymers having different units and/or different linkages
monomers describe the two different types of polymerisation (addition and condensation)
know the names, uses and deduce the structure of the polymer product from a given alkene monomer
formation of plastics (e.g. and vice versa
poly(ethene)) and other man- describe the formation of poly(ethene) as an example of addition
made-fibres polymerisation of monomer units
describe the formation of nylon (a polyamide) and Terylene (a polyester) by
condensation polymerisation, the structure of nylon being represented as:
describe the hydrolysis of proteins to amino acids (structures and names are
not required)
describe fats as esters possessing the same linkage as Terylene but with
different units
describe complex carbohydrates in terms of a large number of sugar units,
The practical activities, approaches or demonstrations required for Topic 10 Organic chemistry are listed below. These are considered
basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
carry out fractional distillation of a sample of wine/ fermented sugar solution/ fruit juice (cross reference to 1.5)
prepare a sample of soap from an alkali and a fat or oil
investigate saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons by simple chemical tests (bromine water and potassium manganate (VII))
carry out an experiment to investigate the properties of fibres (e.g. insulation, water absorption)
11.1.2 Availability, know the distribution, discuss the distribution and availability of water in Namibia, such as in dams,
distribution and availability, purification, underground rivers and lakes
purification of water pollution and value of evaluate soft and hard water in terms of the ease with which they form a lather with
in Namibia water in Namibia soap
define scum as a product of soap and the calcium and magnesium salts in water
identify hard water as containing dissolved salts of calcium and magnesium
explain that temporary hardness of water is caused by the presence of calcium and/or
magnesium hydrogen carbonate
explain that permanent hardness is caused by the presence of calcium and/or
magnesium sulfate
describe the softening of permanent and temporary hard water by washing soda or
ion exchange
describe the softening of temporary hard water by boiling and the formation of ‘scale’
in hot water kettles and geysers
describe the removal of scale from a kettle by reaction with dilute acid
state the sources of temporary and permanent hardness
11.2 The air around us know the composition of interpret the composition of dry air (78% N2; 21% O2; 1% other gases) with special
dry air reference to the high concentration of nitrogen
know how carbon recall that combustion involves reaction with oxygen in the air
dioxide is formed describe the formation of carbon dioxide:
- as a product of complete combustion of carbon-containing substances (cross
reference to 10.3)
- as a product of aerobic respiration
- as a product of fermentation
- as a product of the reaction between an acid and a carbonate
- from the thermal decomposition of a carbonate
11.3 The commercial know the commercial describe the commercial preparation of oxygen, nitrogen (from liquid air by fractional
preparation and uses of preparation and uses of distillation) and carbon dioxide
gases oxygen, nitrogen and describe the uses of:
carbon dioxide - oxygen e.g. for breathing in hospitals, for welding and for steel production
- carbon dioxide e.g. as “dry ice”, in carbonated drinks, baking soda, fire
extinguishers and as a cooling agent
The practical activities, approaches or demonstrations required for Topic 11 Environmental and industrial chemistry are listed below.
These are considered basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
investigate the chemical properties of limestone, lime and slaked lime
carry out tests for the presence of water
investigate hard water and soft water by mixing soap solutions with a variety of salt solutions, including solutions of calcium and magnesium salts
to show that the lathers are not easily formed with these solutions
investigate the presence of carbon dioxide in exhaled air (aerobic respiration)
investigate the presence of carbon dioxide in fermented fruit juice/sugar (anaerobic respiration/fermentation)
analyse the water consumption of your family and your area due to spillage, leaking water pipes and taps
determine by experiments that temporary hardness can be removed by boiling the water
investigate the removal of scale from kettles and pots
The assessment will include, wherever appropriate, personal, social, environmental, economic and
technological applications of Chemistry in modern society. Learners are required to demonstrate the
Assessment Objectives in the context of the content and skills prescribed. Within each of the
Assessment Objectives the assessment must take account of the learners’ ability to communicate
clearly and logically and apply conventions where appropriate.
The Learning Content defines what learners may be required to recall and explain. Questions testing
assessment objectives will often begin with one of the following words: define, name, list, indicate,
give examples, state, describe, compare, explain, distinguish, outline and give reasons.
These skills cannot be precisely specified in the Learning Content, because questions testing such
skills are often based on information that is unfamiliar to the learner. In answering such questions,
learners are required to use principles and concepts that are within the syllabus and apply them in a
logical, deductive manner to a novel situation. Questions testing these objectives will often begin with
one of the following words: discuss, deduce, compare and discuss, find, estimate, interpret, evaluate,
sketch, predict, identify, relate, suggest and calculate or determine.
C1 demonstrate knowledge of how to safely use techniques, apparatus and materials (including
following a sequence of instructions where appropriate)
C2 plan experiments and investigations
C3 make and record observations, measurements and estimates
C4 interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data, including dealing with anomalous or
inconsistent results
C5 evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements
7. SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
All learners should be entered for Papers 1, 2 and 3 which are compulsory papers.
Weighting of papers
Paper 1 30%
Paper 2 50%
Paper 3 (Alternative to Practical Paper) 20%
8. SPECIFICATION GRID
The approximate weightings allocated to each of the Assessment Objectives across the papers are
summarised in the table below:
160 marks
The scheme of assessment is intended to encourage positive achievement by all learners. Grade
descriptions are therefore provided for judgmental Grades A, C and F to give a general indication of
the standards of achievement likely to have been shown by learners awarded particular grades. The
description must be interpreted in relation to the content specified by the Chemistry syllabus but are
not designed to define that content. The grade awarded will depend in practice upon the extent to
which the learner has met the assessment objective overall. Shortcomings in some aspects of the
assessment may be balanced by better performance in others. Grade descriptions for Science
Subjects will range from A, C and F.
For particular phenomena, the term usually implies that the answer should
include reference to (visual) observations associated with the phenomena.
In other contexts, describe and give an account of should be interpreted
more generally, i.e. the candidate has greater discretion about the nature
and the organisation of the material to be included in the answer. Describe
and explain may be coupled in a similar way to state and explain.
Discuss requires candidates to give a critical account of the points involved in the
topic.
Outline implies brevity, i.e. restricting the answer to giving essentials.
Deduce/ implies that the candidate is not expected to produce the required answer
predict by recall but by making a logical connection between other pieces of
information. Such information may be wholly given in the question or may
depend on answers extracted in an earlier part of the question.
Comment is intended as an open-ended instruction, inviting candidates to recall or
infer points of interest relevant to the context of the question, taking
account of the number of marks available.
Suggest is used in two main contexts. It may imply either that there is no unique
answer (e.g. in chemistry, two or more substances may satisfy the given
conditions describing an ‘unknown’), or that candidates are expected to
apply their general knowledge to a new situation (one that may not
formally be in the syllabus).
Find is a general term that may variously be interpreted as calculate, measure,
determine, etc.
Measure implies that the quantity concerned can be directly obtained from a suitable
measuring
instrument, e.g. length, using a rule, or angle, using a protractor.
Determine often implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but
is obtained by calculation, substituting measured or known values of other
quantities into a standard formula, e.g.
relative molecular mass.
Estimate implies a reasoned order of magnitude statement or calculation of the
quantity concerned. Candidates should make any necessary simplifying
assumptions about points of principle and about the values of quantities not
otherwise included in the question.
Sketch when applied to graph work, implies that the shape and/or position of the
curve need only be qualitatively correct, but candidates should be aware
that, depending on the context, some quantitative aspects may be looked
for, e.g. passing through the origin, having an intercept, asymptote or
discontinuity at a particular value. In diagrams, sketch implies that a simple,
freehand drawing is acceptable though care should be taken over
proportions and the clear exposition of important details.
Construct is often used in relation to chemical equations where a candidate is
expected to write a balanced equation, not by factual recall but by analogy
or by using information in the question.
Compare requires candidates to provide both the similarities and differences between
things or concepts.
Classify requires candidates to group things based on common characteristics.
Scientific subjects are, by their nature, experimental. It is, accordingly, important that an assessment
of a learner’s knowledge and understanding of Chemistry should contain a component relating to
practical work and experimental skills (as identified by assessment objective C).
1. Experimental contexts
Candidates may be asked questions on the following experimental contexts:
(a) simple quantitative experiments involving the measurement of volumes and/or masses
(b) rates (speeds) of reaction
(c) measurement of temperature based on a thermometer with 1°C graduations
(d) problems of an investigatory nature, possibly including suitable organic compounds
(e) filtration
(f) electrolysis
(g) identification of ions and gases (NB: Notes for use in qualitative analysis (Annexe B) will NOT
be provided in the question paper)
The best way to prepare candidates for these papers is to integrate practical work fully into the
course so that it becomes a normal part of your teaching. Practical work helps candidates to:
develop a deeper understanding of the syllabus topics
learn to appreciate the way in which scientific theories are developed and tested
develop experimental skills and positive scientific attitudes such as objectivity, integrity,
cooperation, enquiry and inventiveness.
4. Apparatus list
This list contains the items you will need for teaching the experimental skills needed. It is not
exhaustive. As far as possible, teachers should improvise and use easily accessible and familiar
materials from the local environment.
a burette, 50cm3
a pipette, 25cm3
a pipette filler
two conical flasks, within the range 150cm3 to 250cm3
measuring cylinder, 50cm3 , 25cm3 , 10cm3
a filter funnel
beaker, squat form with lip, 250cm3 and 100cm3
a thermometer, –10°C to + 110°C at 1 °C graduations
a polystyrene or other plastic beaker of approximate capacity 150cm3
clocks (or wall-clock) to measure to an accuracy of 1 s (where clocks are specified, candidates
may use their own wrist-watch if they prefer)
wash bottle
test-tubes (Pyrex or hard glass), approximately 125mm × 16mm
boiling tubes, approximately 150mm × 25mm
stirring rod
Flame Tests
cation flame colour
Li+ red
Na+ bright yellow
K+ lilac
Ca2+ brick-red
Ba2+ green
1. Numbers
The decimal point will be placed on the line, e.g. 52.35.
Numbers from 1000 to 9999 will be printed without commas or spaces.
Numbers greater than or equal to 10 000 will be printed without commas. A space will be
left between each group of three whole numbers, e.g. 4 256 789.
2. Units
Learners should be able to state the symbols for the following physical quantities and where
indicated, state the units in which they are measured. The acceptable methods of stating
units (e.g. metres per second or m per s) will be written as m/s or m s-1 (Note: the solidus (/)
will be used for a quotient and indicate units in labels of tables and graphs e.g. distance/cm).
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