Subject: Chemistry A
Qualification authority: OCR
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Teachers Subject Leader: M Serle Course leader(s): S Thatcher
Subject details: In Chemistry students study a variety of topics which deal with the substances that make up our universe. They learn about the way that elements can be combined in a seemingly limitless number of ways to give countless millions of different materials. Chemistry students study how atoms link together to form larger structures such as molecules and the mechanisms by which molecules can be reshaped and adapted. This subject occupies a central position between physics, mathematics and engineering on the one hand, and biology, earth science and medicine on the other. Chemistry changes natural materials such as air and rocks into the chemicals for our modern lives. Chemists are at the forefront in solving environmental problems such as the reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Chemists use computer modelling to predict how reactions occur. Chemists are currently developing new drugs, polymers, building materials and semi-conductors. Chemists are leading the campaign against banned substances in sport through the development of new detection techniques. Assessment method: AS Breadth in chemistry (01) - 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper - module 1 & 2 Depth in chemistry (02) - 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper - module 3 & 4 A-level Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01) - 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper - Content from units 1, 2, 3, and 5 Synthesis and analytical techniques (02) - 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper - Content from units 1, 2, 4, and 6 Unified chemistry - 70 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper - Content from units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Practical endorsement in chemistry - Reported separately (pass/fail). A minimum of 12 practical tasks carried out through the course Homework / Independent study: It is an expectation that pupils write up lesson notes and end of chapter questions in their own time. Additional assessed homework is set weekly per teacher and consists of a range of reinforcement exercises and past examination questions. A weekly catch-up session is also held. Career routes: Pharmacy, food science, chemical engineering, metallurgy, environmental protection , medicine and other healthcare courses, forensic science, agriculture, business, industrial management and education. Books required for course: Writhlington will supply students with a copy of the chemistry textbook. Students can also access an e-book as well as all the course materials online. Students may opt to purchase a revision guide - we recommend CGP A-level Year 1 & AS. Many students have found that they can enhance their Maths skills with the Nelson Thorne ‘Maths skills for A level chemistry’ Other equipment needed: Calculator Term 1 & 2 AS Module 1, 2, 3
Term 3 & 4 Year 12 AS Module 4 and preparation for
Term 5 & 6 Start of A-level carbon
6-week test -October Internal Exam - December Practical Assessment 1, 2 and 3. Module 1 - The practical skills are developed through a range of guided practical activities that are carried out throughout the year. Assessment of this Unit is through an evidence portfolio and examination questions that are be based around the techniques covered. Module 2 - This Unit builds on GCSE Additional Science content and involves furthering the understanding of atomic structure, types of bonding and quantitative chemistry. Confidence in manipulation of mathematical equations is needed for this Unit.
external AS exams Internal exam - April External exams - May/June Practical Assessment 4 and 5 Module 4 - This Unit involves study of the varied chemistry of carbon. It starts with basic ideas first met in GCSE Core science including alkanes, alkenes and alcohols. The final part of this Unit introduces ideas of modern analytical techniques which are then further developed at A2
Module 3 - This Unit involves further study of Group 7 halogens first encountered at GCSE and compares their reactions with those of Group 2. This Unit also adds deeper understanding to the ideas of rate and equilibrium. Module 5 6-week test - October Internal Exam - December Practical Assessment 7 & 8 Module 5 - This Unit deals with the practical realities of the chemical industry in a quantitative way. It answers questions such as why do reactions take place; how can they be made faster; how can yield be maximised? It also provides indepth study of transition metals and their role for example in mobile phone battery production and the hydrogen fuel economy.
Year 13 Module 6 and preparation for external exams Internal exam - April External exams - May/June Practical Assessment 9, 10, 11 & 12 Module 6 This unit introduces more reactions that can be done by carbon and pupils will develop their problem solving skills as they try to deduce reaction pathways for more complex molecules such as pharmaceuticals. Pupils also study advanced analysis in settings such as drug testing in sport.
chemistry unit and Practical Assessment 6 Module 5 - This Unit deals with the practical realities of the chemical industry in a quantitative way. It answers questions such as why do reactions take place; how can they be made faster; how can yield be maximised? It also provides in-depth study of transition metals and their role for example in mobile phone battery production and the hydrogen fuel economy.
