Intermediate 1 chemistry
Norman Conquest
Paisley: Hodder Gibson 2004 | Pp218 | £14.99 | ISBN 0 340 81699 6
Reviewed by Douglas Robertson

With the introduction of the Higher Still courses into the Scottish education system an Intermediate 1 textbook is long overdue. A good, clear and concise book has become particularly important with the recent discussions regarding replacing Standard Grade courses with Access 3 and Intermediate courses. Tried and tested author Norman Conquest (whose previous work includes the 1995 textbook Standard grade chemistry written with Roddy Renfrew, and 2001's Intermediate 2 chemistry) has produced a book suitable for any age group of Intermediate 1 students. 

The course material is laid out in the three units, each usefully having its own colour coding. Each unit is divided into four sub-sections, allowing differentiation between those students aiming for Access 3 and the Intermediate 1 student. The well-spaced layout and relevant examples all add to the readability of the text. 

Colourful photographs and illustrations spread liberally throughout ensure that the content will catch the eye of students. The questions set within the text are good and of an appropriate level, though I would have liked more to help consolidate the learning. 

The real plus points of the book are the specific coverage of all nine assessable prescribed practical activities and the study questions (practice end of unit tests) for both Access 3 and Intermediate 1. The text follows the Scottish Qualifications Authority's (SQA) course arrangements closely and will be an invaluable resource for chemistry teachers in Scotland.