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WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Chemistry is fundamental and fascinating. It plays a role in everyone’s lives and touches almost every aspect of our existence in some way.

Chemistry is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, and clean air, water, and soil. Knowing something about chemistry provides an excellent basis for understanding the physical universe in which we live. Everything around us consists of chemicals!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You will require at least a Grade 5-5 in GCSE Science (Higher Tier) or a single Chemistry GCSE of Grade 5 or higher (Higher Tier), and a Grade 5 or higher in Mathematics (Higher Tier)and English Language.

Studying Biology, Physics or Mathematics at A level will complement and support Chemistry A level but is not essential.

SYLLABUS

YEAR 12

Two examinations and a sequence of expected practical tasks that will be assessed in the examination.

  1. Paper 1: Foundations in chemistry (50%) 1hr 30m
  2. Paper 2: Chemistry in depth (50%) 1hr 30m

Covering the following chapters:

  • Elements of life
  • Developing fuels
  • Elements from the sea
  • The ozone story
  • What’s in a medicine?

Year 1 of the course builds on GCSE and introduces more depth to topics such as atomic structure, electronic configuration, bonding, calculations involving moles and reaction rates. You will also learn some new concepts, including organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms, using spectroscopic techniques to identify unknown compounds, and about radicals and how they play a key role in the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere.

YEAR 13

Three examinations and a practical endorsement (12 practical tasks that are independent of the grade)

  1. Paper 1: Fundamentals of chemistry (41%) 2hr 15m
  2. Paper 2: Scientific literacy in chemistry (37%) 2hr 15m
  3. Paper 3: Practical skills in chemistry (22%) 1hr 30m

Covering the following chapters:

  • Elements of life
  • Developing fuels
  • Elements from the sea
  • The ozone story
  • What’s in a medicine?
  • The chemical industry
  • Polymers and life
  • Oceans
  • Developing metals
  • Colour by design

Year 2 of the course builds on year 1. You will develop your knowledge of the periodic table, mole calculations and REDOX reactions. Acid-base reactions will be studied in detail, including weak acids and how buffer solutions function. You will be introduced to the molecules of life and how the chemistry of these molecules controls key functions in the body. The chemistry of colour will be investigated, focusing on different types of dye molecules and how they interact with materials. You will also learn about the compromise between yield and rate in industrial chemistry and how reactions can be scaled to industrial volumes.

Practical Work

Chemistry is an inherently practical subject, and we are committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to become competent practical chemists. In addition to the practical tasks required for the assessments, you will carry out a wide range of practical activities designed to improve your chemical understanding and strengthen your chemical knowledge. These will include making plastics, synthesising dyes, burning fuels to compare their energy and analysing the content of medicines.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED AND EXAMINED?

There will be internal examinations at the end of Year 12 and external examinations at the end of Year 13. Questions are a combination of multiple choice, structured questions and extended response covering theory and practical skills.

FUTURE COURSES AND POSSIBLE CAREERS

Chemistry is also a highly valued and worthwhile A level subject. An A level in Chemistry puts you in a good position to choose a useful and interesting career. Food chemistry, polymer chemistry, agricultural chemistry, pharmacy, forensic science – the list of possibilities is long and varied. Chemists are centrally involved in tackling the problems and demands faced by our modern society.

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