Chemistry
Head of Science and Technology: P.C. Clark, BSc (London) ARCS CPhys MinstPHead of Department: D.J. Evans BSc (Southampton) MRSC MBA (Aston) MCMI
Course Specification: OCR HO34/H434
A Level Chemistry has a reputation for being a difficult subject. There used to be some truth in this. Traditionally the gap between GCSE and A Level could take some time to bridge. However, this is less of a problem with the new courses. The first year follows logically from the Chemistry learnt at GCSE and success should not be beyond anyone who gives it a go. The second year is more specialised and of deeper content.
Most of the materials used in modern life are the result of chemical research, as are the development of new drugs and polymers, and advances in genetics and medicine. Chemistry is not only useful but interesting. The world is made of atoms, as are human beings. It is what atoms do to each other that keeps us going and leads to these new materials and medicines upon which modern civilisation depends. Learning a bit about what makes the world tick has to be a good thing, especially if pupils enjoy doing so.
Pattern of Assessment
| AS Unit 1 F321 Atoms, Bonds and Groups 1 hour written exam [15%] |
Pupils explore the reasons why things behave as they do. The underlying concepts also provide a basis upon which subsequent units build. |
| AS Unit 2 F322 Chains, Energy and Resources 1¾ hours written exam [25%] |
The reactions and properties of several types of organic compounds. Pupils examine the reason for reactions occurring, together with what happens at the molecular level. |
| AS Unit 3 F323 Practical Skills in Chemistry 1 practical work [10%] |
A number of assessed practical tasks are carried out throughout the course. These include qualitative, quantitative and evaluative tasks. |
| A2 Unit 4 F324 Rings, Polymers and Analysis 1 hour written exam [15%] |
Further classes of organic compounds are explored together with the application of spectroscopic techniques in analysis and structure determination. |
| A2 Unit 5 F325 Equlibria, Energetics and Elements 1¾ hours written exam [25%] |
The ideas of chemical equlibrium and energy changes in reactions are studied in more detail. Trends within groups and periods of the Periodic Table, and the chemistry of the transition elements are also looked at. |
| A2 Unit 6 F326 Practical Skills in Chemistry 2 practical work [10%] |
A number of assessed practical tasks are carried out throughout the course. These include qualitative, quantitative and evaluative tasks. |
Pupils taking Chemistry to AS only complete their exams in the Trinity Quarter of the Lower Sixth.