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 |