Extracting Aluminium by Electrolysis | SEND GCSE

Inclusive SEND science lesson on Extracting Aluminium for Key Stage 4 – one lesson with three pathways for PMLD, SLD / MLD and dyslexic GCSE learners. 44 slides at 28 pt, answers on click, worksheets with answers and 19 pages of print-ready cards. How does an orange rock become a drinks can? An inclusive KS4 lesson on extracting aluminium by electrolysis 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 with a light can, an orange rock and a flash of power. Includes an Engagement Model observation record for the adult to complete.
• Build (SLD / MLD, low reading age, EAL): match pictures to words, sort metals into carbon or electrolysis and label the cell – by sticking, pointing, signing or writing.
• Explain (GCSE, dyslexia-friendly): explain why cryolite is used and why anodes are replaced, write half equations and answer an exam question.

What’s included

• 44-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: building and labelling a model aluminium cell and a can sort
• 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: bauxite, aluminium oxide, cryolite, electrolysis cell, carbon anode, molten aluminium, energy, recycling

Curriculum

• National Curriculum Key Stage 4 Science (Chemistry): chemical changes: reactivity, acids and electrolysis
• AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 / Combined Science Trilogy 8464 – 4.4.3.3 Using electrolysis to extract metals

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, extracting aluminium, cryolite, bauxite, electrolysis, recycling, visual timetable, communication cards, Engagement Model