Key Stage 5 Chemistry (A Level)
The principles of Chemistry underpin so many aspects of the world in which we live. It makes sense of current events such as climate change, pollution, and technology. This course gives students an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry in a range of different contexts, discovering the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. Key concepts of chemistry and practical skills are integrated throughout the two year years of study, with a combination of academic challenge and practical focus.
A separate endorsement of practical skills is taken alongside the A level, where students carry out a range of practical activities in lessons, to demonstrate mastery of these skills. The course content is split into six modules which is taught by two different teachers; one covering the organic content and the other covering the physical content, leading to three written exams at the end of the course.
Course Requirements
In order to study chemistry, you need minimum of a 7 in GCSE Chemistry (or a minimum of 7/7 in combined science).
Skills
Chemists require good analytical, practical and problem-solving skills. You will need the ability to communicate scientific ideas and concepts, as well as being able to be logical, analyse and interpret data. To succeed in Chemistry A level, strong maths skills are crucial, although studying A level Maths is not necessary.
Chemistry A level is a well-recognised and respected course of study. It is a required subject for students considering careers in the health and clinical professions, including medicine, veterinary science, nursing, dentistry and forensic science. Studying Chemistry will also prepare students for industry careers, such as those within the pharmaceutical or petrochemical sectors.
Resources
Chemistry is taught at Townley Grammar by a team of well qualified and experienced chemistry subject specialists, who have a strong passion for their subject. Teaching mixes a range of practical, theoretical, research and problem solving approaches to provide students with a range of skills in well-equipped laboratories.
All students follow the OCR Chemistry A specification (H432)
Year 12 Chemistry Overview
- Module 1: Development of practical skills This module underpins the whole of the specification, and covers the practical skills that students should develop throughout the course. The practical skills in this module can be assessed within written examinations and within the Practical and Endorsement
- Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations, Amount of substance, Acid-base and redox reactions, Electrons, bonding and structure
- Module 3: Periodic Table and Energy The Periodic table and periodicity, Group 2 and the Halogens, Qualitative analysis, Enthalpy changes, Reaction rates and Equilibrium.
- Module 4: Core Organic Chemistry Basic concepts, Hydrocarbons, Alcohols and Haloalkanes, Organic synthesis, Analytical techniques (IR, MS).
End of Year Examinations in the summer term
The two examination papers consist of multiple-choice, structured questions and extended response questions.
Year 13 Chemistry Overview
The course content and assessment are shown below:
- Module 1, 2, 3 and 4 as in year 12
- Module 5: Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative), pH and buffers, Enthalpy, entropy and free energy, Redox and electrode potentials, Transition elements
- Module 6: Organic Chemistry and Analysis Aromatic compounds, Carbonyl compounds, Carboxylic acids and esters, Nitrogen compounds, Polymers, Organic synthesis, Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR).
Examination Papers
- Paper 1: Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry - Multiple choice, structured and extended response (100 marks) 2 hr. 15
- Paper 2: Synthesis and Analytical Techniques - Multiple choice, structured and extended response (100 marks) 2 hr. 15
- Paper 3: Unified Chemistry - Structured questions and extended response (70 marks) 1 hr 30
- Non-exam assessment – Practical endorsement for Chemistry.