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Chemistry

The study of Chemistry opens up many career prospects in the chemical industry e.g. oil industry, cosmetic and household products, polymers, construction, heavy industry and speciality chemicals. It is also a pre-requisite for other careers which are not exclusively chemistry based such as medicine, veterinary, dentistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, forensic science and engineering.

The Chemistry A Level OCR specification aims to encourage learners to:

  • Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.
  • Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
  • Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills.
  • Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
  • Understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

Exam Board & Specification
OCR | Please click here
Minimum GCSE Grade Requirements

Grade 6/6 in Double Science or 6 in Chemistry and Grade 5 in English and Maths


Future Opportunities

Chemistry occupies a central and pivotal position in the sciences and its study develops an appreciation of many aspects of our complex and technical society. Its study opens up many career prospects in the chemical industry e.g. petrochemicals, formulations and household products, polymers, bulk commodities and speciality chemicals. It is also a prerequisite for other careers e.g. medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, pharmacy, food science, agricultural science, engineering and many, many more.

Course Content & Assessment

Course Content

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3
Development of practical skills in Chemistry Foundations in Chemistry  Periodic table and Energy 
Practical skills assessed in a written examination Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations The Periodic Table and Periodicity
Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement Amount of substance Group 2 and the Halogens
  Acid–base and redox reactions Qualitative Analysis
  Electrons, bonding and structure  Enthalpy Changes
   

Reaction Rates and Equilibrium (qualitative)

Module 4

Module 5

Module 6

Core Organic Chemistry Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements Organic Chemistry and Analysis
Basic concepts Reaction Rates and Equilibrium (quantitative) Aromatic Compounds
Hydrocarbons pH and Buffers Carbonyl Compounds
Alcohols and Haloalkanes Enthalpy, Entropy and Free Energy Carboxylic Acids and Esters
Organic Synthesis Redox and Electrode Potentials Nitrogen Compounds
Analytical Techniques (IR and MS) Transition Elements Polymers
    Organic Synthesis
    Chromatography and Spectroscopy (NMR)

ASSESSMENT

Written examinations at end of Year 13

Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5

  • Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01)
  • 100 marks
  • 2 hours 15 minutes written paper
  • 37% of total ‘A’ level

Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6

  • Synthesis and analytical techniques (02)
  • 100 marks
  • 2 hours 15 minutes written paper
  • 37% of total ‘A’ level

Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6)

  • Unified Chemistry (03)
  • 70 marks
  • 1 hour 30 minutes written paper
  • 26% of total ‘A’ level

Practical endorsement in Chemistry (04)

(non-exam assessment)       Reported separately

Science Department

Subject Leader Mrs J Pennington-Wright
Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator Mrs K Ross
Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator Miss A Waddicor
Key Stage 5 Co-ordinator Dr K Irlam
  Mrs K Brett
  Ms L Casson
  Mrs N Everitt
  Miss A McLeod
  Mrs R Monks
  Mrs A Newton
  Mrs B Povey (parental leave)
  Mrs M Salaga
  Mrs L Sanday
  Mrs J Steer
  Mrs S Tunstall
  Miss A Waddicor
  Mr S Wright
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