Chemistry

A-Level Chemistry takes concepts that have been introduced at GCSE and explores them in much greater depth. Organic Chemistry is introduced in a much more substantial way than at GCSE and there is a greater emphasis on the use of mathematics to underpin the understanding of a wide range of concepts.

By the end of the course, you should have developed your ability to access and apply your knowledge to a wide range of different scenarios.

Specification: OCR A H432

The Course

Year 12

• Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills

• Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry

• Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy

• Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry

Year 13

• Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills

• Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements

• Module 6 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis

Skills

• Sound numeracy skills (20% of the question paper assessment includes mathematical skills)

• Making links and applying understanding

The Key Stage 5 Chemistry Curriculum Plan can be found at the bottom of the page.

Examinations

Year 12 – internal school examinations at the end of Year 12

• Multiple choice, structured and extended response questions.

Year 13

• 2 x 2 hours 15 minute written papers

• 1 x 1 hour 30 minute written paper

• Multiple choice, structured and extended response questions.

• Teacher assessed practical endorsement – reported separately from grade (pass or fail)

Enrichment

In Year 13, the UK Chemistry Olympiad co-ordinated by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Lower Sixth Chemistry Challenge co-ordinated by University of Cambridge.

For further details, please contact Dr J McLaren.