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Head of Department
Ms F Wright
Deputy Head of Department
Mr W Smith
Why choose the subject?
The aims of the syllabus are to:
• present Chemistry as a coherent, but developing, body of knowledge, principles and theories linked by unifying concepts;
• develop students’ appreciation of social, economic, environmental and technological contributions and the application of chemical knowledge stimulate and sustain students’ interest in, and enjoyment of, Chemistry.
Who is eligible?
Students who have a double science qualification should preferably have a grade 7 (or above), although those with a grade 6 will be considered. Students who have sat triple science awards should have a minimum of a grade 6 in Chemistry.
Qualification Type: A Level (2 year) or AS Level (1 year)
Specification: Year 2023/24 Advanced Subsidiary Award Examination Board: OCR
For info about the AS Level click here
A Level Chemistry gives an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry. It covers the key concepts of chemistry and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. This combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes the prospect of studying A Level Chemistry highly appealing.
You will learn about chemistry in a range of different contexts and the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. You will learn to investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts.
The content is divided into four teaching modules and each module is further divided into key topics. The four teaching modules are:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry
The course is examined at the end of Year 13 in three different written external examinations. They are synoptic in nature and require knowledge from throughout the course.
Component 01 – Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry
100 marks, 2 hours 15 minutes written paper, 37 % of A level
Component 02 – Synthesis and analytical techniques
100 marks, 2 hours 15 minutes written paper, 37 % of A level
Component 03 – Unified chemistry
70 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes written paper, 26% of A Level
Component 04 – Practical endorsement in chemistry
(non-exam assessment)
Chemistry is an essential component of many allied vocations and is compulsory for chemical engineering, pharmacy, medicine and veterinary science. Students also go on to study pure and applied chemistry at university. This leads to careers in scientifically-related fields or careers in management and finance.
This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, chemistry complements several other A-Level courses, including biology, maths, computer science, physics and design technology.
Future Careers:
Chemical engineering, pharmacology, medicine, veterinary science.
Students can study chemistry for just one academic year and achieve an AS qualification worth 40% of the UCAS points.
Specification: Year 2023/24 Advanced Subsidiary Award Examination Board: OCR
The content is divided into four teaching modules and each module is further divided into key topics.
The four teaching modules are:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry
External Examinations (Sat Summer of Year 12)
Component 01: Breadth in Chemistry- 70 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes written paper, 50% of total AS level.
Component 02: Depth in Chemistry- 70 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes written paper, 50% of total AS level.
