Entry Requirements: - 6.5 average point score, minimum of 4 in English Language and Maths GCSE. Entry grade criteria for A Level subjects chosen.
Course Summary
OCR B Salters Chemistry A-Level promotes the development of problem solving and genuine chemical skills using context based applications. In this way, problem solving can be taught in varied contexts, new developments can be incorporated into the course, and the emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals rather than simply the facts about what is current.
The course aim is to: cultivate students interest and enthusiasm for chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers in chemistry; gain an appreciation of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society; develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works; further develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other.
The course is designed in teaching units, each of which is free standing and tells its own story about modern applications of Chemistry and the theory behind it.
The course highlights the principles that unify the subject and seeks to examine them through their application to chemical situations. The linear assessment structure means that learners are tested at the end of the two-year course, allowing them to rationalise and relate the facts they learn to the wider subject providing a very solid foundation from which to transfer to further study with confidence.
In addition to the 3 written papers at the end of the course, students will also have ongoing practical assessments that will encourage the teaching and learning of practical skills as an integrated part of the course, and is designed to reward a wide range of laboratory and higher-order thinking skills.
Course Details
Why study it at The Judd School?
When current chemistry students were asked this question their responses were:
It is cutting edge Chemistry which allows students to really understand the reactions – no learning ‘parrot fashion’.
Judd has experienced staff who know how to get good results. Judd has a welcoming learning environment and very committed teachers. They don’t just teach Chemistry; they help you enjoy it too.
I like the way they prepare us, but I also like the level of independent study.
Papers 1, 2 and 3 can assess content from Modules 1 to 10 as well as practical skills and chemical literacy
Paper 1 covers breadth of understanding of concepts assessed by mainly shorter structured questions
Paper 2 covers deeper understanding of concepts assessed by a mixture of short structured questions, extended response items and more open problem-solving style questions. Carrying on the theme of the current Chemistry B (Salters), this paper includes an Advance Notice article aimed at testing skills of chemical literacy developed during the course
Paper 3 focuses on the assessment of practical skills with a particular emphasis on investigational and problem-solving skills.
Continual assessment of practical skills over the two years by teachers, to be monitored by exam board.
Entry requirements
7 in either GCSE Chemistry if taken or 7-7 in Combined Science
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