Sixth Form Chemistry

We teach three different disciplines which require broad substantive knowledge and deep disciplinary knowledge in Biology, Physics and Chemistry which varies from topic to topic. We anticipate all students maturing to devise insightful and key links between topics not just intra-disciplinary, but interdisciplinary. A successful curriculum has not only the capacity to build young scientists who can make links, but to inspire students to take those links even further. Students should be able to challenge both previous and current ideas and produce well-informed discussions as part of their learning to show a fluency in the language that science is. We strive to encourage students to continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings and ultimately intend on making young scientists out of every student.

Course Details

A Level Chemistry A – H432, OCR

Specification – https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171720-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-chemistry-a-h432.pdf

Course Description

Our A Level Chemistry A qualification is a content-led course designed to develop theoretical and practical chemistry skills, knowledge and understanding.

Programme of Study

The following topics are studied in A level Chemistry:

Module 1: Development of Practical Skill

• This unit includes the practical endorsement and is worked on throughout the two years of the course.

Year 12

Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry

• Atoms and moles
• Formulas and equations
• Reactions and calculations
• Electrons, bonding and structure

Module 3: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry

• Periodicity
• Group 2
• The Halogens
• Qualitative Analysis
• Reaction Rates
• Chemical Equilibrium

Module 4: Organic Chemistry

• Alkanes
• Alkenes
• Alcohols
• Haloalkanes
• Organic Synthesis
• Analytical Techniques
• Organic Synthesis

Year 13

Module 5: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry

• How Fast (Rates)
• How Far (Equilibria)
• Acids, Bases and Buffers
• Lattice Enthalpy
• Entropy
• Redox and Electrode Potentials
• Transition Elements
• Qualitative Analysis

Module 6: Organic Chemistry

• Aromatic Compounds
• Carbonyl Compounds
• Carboxylic Acids and Esters
• Amines
• Amino Acids, Amides and Chirality
• Polyesters and Polyamides
• Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation
• Organic Synthesis
• Chromatography and Qualitative Analysis
• Spectroscopy

Assessment

Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry Exam (01)

• 100 marks
• 2 hours 15 minutes
• 37% of overall A level
• Assesses content from modules 1,2,3 and 5

Synthesis and Analytical Techniques Exam (02)

• 100 marks
• 2 hours 15 minutes
• 37% of overall A level
• Assesses content from modules 1,2,4 and 6

Unified Chemistry (03)

• 70 marks
• 1 hour 30 minutes
• 26% of overall A level
• Assesses content from all modules (1-6)

Practical Endorsement in Chemistry (04)

• Non-exam assessment

All components include synoptic assessment.

Students must complete all components (01, 02, 03, and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Chemistry A.

Home Learning

Students are provided with regular extra reading and home learning tasks to consolidate their learning and exam questions to check understanding and progress as well as give ample opportunity to practise for the examinations and allow useful revision.

Where can Chemistry take you

Science can not only lead you down a broad range of careers and further study but it can lead you into lifelong passions and hobbies. Science is an absolute key player in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects. Whilst people follow science careers because they feel like they have an affinity for science, or an ambition, or just pure interest in the sciences, it is common knowledge that the careers are some of the top paying and most respectable in the world, whether to be an Engineer, a Researcher, or a vital role in the NHS.

Further Study

Degrees in

• Biochemistry
• Medicine
• Forensic Science
• Veterinarian Medicine
• Pharmacy
• Environmental Sustainability
• Health and Social Care
• Engineering
• Applied Science
• … and many more

Careers

• Medicine
• Forensic Science
• Veterinarian Medicine
• Working in industries such as GSK

How can parents support their child’s learning

• Parents can encourage their children to study and read outside of the lessons to both embellish and consolidate their learning.
• Parents can regularly check Google classroom to check homework and any other notices, and should also be reading the Parentmail sent out each week for any key information.
• Parents can also encourage their children to complete extra revision at home and ensure students are equipped with pens, pencils, rulers and calculators for every science lesson as a minimum.

Useful Links

Reading List

• Elegant Solutions: Ten Beautiful Experiments in Chemistry by Philip Ball
• The Periodic Table by Eric Scerri
• Why Chemical Reactions Happen by James Keeler and Peter Wothers

Textbooks

• Rob Ritchie and Dave Gent: A Level Chemistry A for OCR Student Book – Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN-10: 0198351976
• Eileen Ramsden A-Level Chemistry – Core Text Fourth Edition – Publisher: Nelson Thornes; ISBN-10: 0748752994
• Lawrie Ryan Advanced Chemistry For You – Publisher: OUP Oxford; 2 edition (28 May 2015) ISBN-10: 1408527367

Magazine/Journals

• Scientific American – https://www.scientificamerican.com/
• New Scientist – https://www.newscientist.com/

Websites

• Periodic Videos – http://www.periodicvideos.com
• Science Symbols – http://www.sixtysymbols.com
• Learn Chemistry Resources – http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry
• A Guide to Chemistry – co.uk
• Khan Academy – https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry
• Seneca Learning – https://www.senecalearning.com/en-GB/
• Physicsandmathtutor – https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-ocr-a/

For more information contact Mrs. Armitage, Head of Science, Townsend Church of England School.