Chemistry
Chemistry is taught as a mixture of practical and theory lessons combined to give a sound understanding of the principles and concepts involved. The topics are divided up into three main areas: Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry.
Chemistry is taught as a mixture of practical and theory lessons combined to give a sound understanding of the principles and concepts involved. The topics are divided up into three main areas: Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry.
To study this subject, you'll need at least a Grade 7 GCSE in both Chemistry and Mathematics.
What will you learn?
Studying A-Level Chemistry will develop your understanding of key chemical principles, from atomic structure and bonding to organic, physical and inorganic chemistry. You will also build strong analytical and problem-solving skills through practical experiments, data analysis, and applying chemical concepts to real-world contexts such as medicine, materials, and the environment.
Course Components
Atomic structure, Amount of substance, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc, Oxidation, Reduction and redox equations, Thermodynamics, Rate equations, Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems, Acids and bases.
Periodicity, Group 2: the alkaline earth metals, Group 7: the halogens. Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, Transition metals, Reactions of ions in solution
Introduction to organic chemistry, Alkanes, Haloalkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Organic analysis, Optical isomerism, Aldehydes and ketones, Carboxylic acids and derivatives, Aromatic chemistry, Amines, Polymers, Amino acids, proteins and DNA, Organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, Chromatography.
Skills you will develop
Practical Laboratory Skills
Safely carrying out experiments using a range of chemical techniques and equipment.
Analytical Thinking
Understanding chemical reactions, patterns, and processes.
Data Interpretation
Analysing results from experiments and chemical calculations.
Problem Solving
Applying chemical knowledge to explain and predict reactions.
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How will you be assessed?
AQAStudents are assessed at the end of the two year course. A-level grades will be based only on marks from written examinations.
Paper One: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
2 hours 105 marks 35% of gradeShort and long answer questions.
Paper Two: Organic and Physical Chemistry
2 hours 105 marks 35% of gradeShort and long answer questions.
Paper Three: Synoptic Assessment
2 hours 90 marks40 marks on practical skills and data analysis, 20 marks of questions on testing across the specification and 30 marks of multiple choice questions. Any content and practical skills.
Practical Skills
A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills assessed in 12 required practical's.
Who will teach you?
Mr A Stopps
Head of Chemistry
Mrs S Ahmed
Teacher of Chemistry
Dr E Cruice
Teacher of Chemistry
Ms N Khodabakus
Teacher of Chemistry
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