Chemistry

Students develop their interest in and enthusiasm for Chemistry, including further study and careers in Chemistry.   Students study the three branches of Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic and Physical) as well as key techniques in practical Chemistry. Students studying Chemistry at Chipping Norton School will gain significant insight into applications and importance of Chemistry in real life settings. AQA is our chosen exam board.

Course Aims:

• To develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Chemistry and how they relate to each other.
• To appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how Chemistry contributes to the success of the economy and society.
• To demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of Science.

Summary of Course Structure:

• Units covered in the first year of Sixth Form will cover the year one (AS) content.
• Year two content is covered in Year 13 leading up to the final examinations that will cover the content of both the AS and A2 course.
• There is also a non-exam assessment of practical skills which is reported separately to the A level grade.

Assessment:

• At end of Year 12 mock exams will be had covering all of the Year one content.
• The final examinations will consist of three papers (including Year one content) at the end of Year 13.
• For all candidates there is a separate, non-examinable Practical Endorsement which is assessed throughout the two years of the course.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

• Either at least a 6 in GCSE Science AND Additional science OR a 6 in GCSE Chemistry.
• At least a 5 in GCSE Maths.

Course Content in Year One:

Topics extend the work covered at GCSE which underpin the understanding of Chemistry e.g. the structure of atoms, bonding and structures, reactions and equations, and amounts of substance. In addition we will look at the periodic table, groups 2 and 7, reaction rates and equilibrium. Organic (Carbon) chemistry including the properties, synthesis, reactions and analysis of hydrocarbons, alcohols and halogen alkanes will also be covered. In addition there will be a double lesson per fortnight focussing on the development of practical skills.

Course Content in Year Two:

The 2nd year of the course includes a more quantitative treatment of rates, energetics and equilibria, pH and buffers, electrode potentials and the properties and reactions of the transition metals. The chemistry of carbon is developed to cover aromatic compounds, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and esters, and polymers. Further analytical techniques such as NMR are also covered. In addition to these there will be a double lesson per fortnight on the development of practical skills.

What could I go on to do at the end of the course?

As well as chemistry and chemistry related degrees, chemistry is essential for veterinary medicine, medicine and frequently dentistry. Employers and Universities recognise that A Level Chemistry involves a high level of conceptual thinking and numerical literacy. Therefore chemists are sought after in a wide range of fields ranging such as accountancy, biochemistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering, law, forensic science and ecology.