Addition & Condensation Polymers | SEND GCSE

Inclusive SEND science lesson on Addition and Condensation Polymers for Key Stage 4 – one lesson with three pathways for PMLD, SLD / MLD and dyslexic GCSE learners. 45 slides at 28 pt, answers on click, worksheets with answers and 19 pages of print-ready cards. How are long polymers made from small molecules? An inclusive KS4 lesson on addition and condensation polymerisation for special schools and mixed-ability classes.

Everyone studies the same National Curriculum topic at the right level, so the whole class learns together.

Three pathways in one lesson

• Explore (PMLD / sensory learners): a sensory story clicking chunky beads into a chain and crinkling a plastic bag. Includes an Engagement Model observation record for the adult to complete.
• Build (SLD / MLD, low reading age, EAL): match pictures to words, sort monomers and click pop-beads into polymers – by sticking, pointing, signing or writing.
• Explain (GCSE, dyslexia-friendly): draw repeating units, compare addition and condensation polymers and answer an exam question.

What’s included

• 45-slide editable PowerPoint – every word at least 28 pt, cream background, no italics, one idea per slide, a picture on every teaching slide and answers revealed one click at a time
• Visual timetable with Now / Next, feelings check-in, sensory starter, ‘I can’ objectives, key words with pictures, show-me checks, picture hinge question, exam question with mark scheme and plenary
• Multi-sensory practical: pop-bead polymers and model kits
• 6-page worksheet pack (Word + PDF) in 14 pt with 1.5 line spacing: teacher guide, sensory story and engagement record, Build tasks, Explain tasks, cut-out cards and full answers
• 19-page Printable Cards and Resources pack (PDF) with cut lines: key-word picture cards, word cards, picture cards, matching cards, yes / not sure / no cards, A–D, number and answer cards, visual timetable cards, Now and Next board, feelings board, sorting mat, choice board and A4 posters
• Teaching-team notes: adult roles, resources, safety, misconceptions and Ofsted SEND links

Key words: polymer, monomer, ethene, poly(ethene), repeating unit, addition, condensation, water lost

Curriculum

• National Curriculum Key Stage 4 Science (Chemistry): crude oil, hydrocarbons and organic compounds
• AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 / Combined Science Trilogy 8464 – 4.7.3.1 Addition polymerisation; 4.7.3.2 Condensation polymerisation (HT)

Ideal for special schools, SEND resource bases, intervention groups, alternative provision and mainstream classes that need adaptive teaching.

Keywords: SEND science, special needs science lesson, PMLD sensory story, SLD, MLD, dyslexia friendly, adaptive teaching, inclusive science, KS4 chemistry, GCSE chemistry, polymers, addition polymerisation, condensation polymerisation, repeating unit, visual timetable, communication cards, Engagement Model