Chemistry (A Level)

Chemistry is a highly regarded, and increasingly necessary A level subject for anyone interested in the sciences. The course aims to develop interest and enthusiasm for Chemistry and specifically looks at its impact on our society and economy.

What you will learn

Students have the opportunity to undertake a wide range of practical activities and will link what they learn to their day to day life. The A level course includes a practical endorsement which is ideal preparation for any practical work at university. You will find Chemistry a challenging course. With topics ranging from ‘What’s in a medicine?’ to ‘Colour by design’ there is something for everyone!

How you will learn

You will learn through a mixture of classroom teaching, independent and peer group study, and laboratory based practicals and investigations.

Your teaching will be split between two teachers, each having over 10 years experience in teaching OCR B Chemistry A level, along with an absolute love for the subject, which we hope will be evident in our lessons.

Year 1

Topics covered this year are:

• Elements of Life
• Developing Fuels
• Elements from the Sea
• The Ozone Story
• What’s in a Medicine?

Year 2

Topics covered this year are:

• The Chemical Industry
• Polymers and Life
• Oceans
• Developing Metals
• Colour by Design

Assessment 1: Fundamentals of Chemistry, written examination, 2 hours 15 minutes in length. 41% of final grade.

This component is split into two sections and assesses content from all teaching modules.

• Section A contains multiple choice questions.
• Section B includes short answer question styles (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions.

Assessment 2: Scientific Literacy in Chemistry, written examination, 2 hours 15 minutes. 37% of final grade.

This component assesses content from across all teaching modules and places a particular emphasis on scientific literacy.

This component includes a pre-release Advance Notice article.

Question styles include short answer questions (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions.

Assessment 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry, written examination, 1 hour 30 minutes in length. 22% of the final grade.

This component assesses content from across all teaching modules and places a particular emphasis on practical skills.

Question styles include short answer question (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions.

Assessment 4: Practical Endorsement in Chemistry, non-examined assessment.

Performance in this component is reported separately to the performance in the A level as measured through externally assessed components 01 to 03. This non exam assessment component rewards the development of practical competency for chemistry and is teacher assessed. Learners complete a minimum of 12 assessed practical activities covering the specified technical skills (together with the use of apparatus and practical techniques).

Learners may work in groups but must be able to demonstrate and record independent evidence of their competency. Teachers who award a pass to their learners need to be confident that the learner consistently and routinely exhibits the competencies required before completion of the A level course.

This is awarded on a pass or fail basis and is reported separately to the A Level grade.

College minimum entry requirements plus:

• If studying separate sciences: Grade 6 in GCSE Biology and a Grade 6 in GCSE Physics or Chemistry and a Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
• If studying combined science Grades 6-6 and a Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics

Where next?

Chemistry links to a huge range of courses and careers varying from Medical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary courses to Accountancy! Any science based degree course will welcome a chemistry qualification.

There are also many apprenticeships and work based degree programmes, for which an A level in chemistry would be suitable.

Course Combinations

The course combines well with several A Level subjects including Biology, Maths and Physics.