Specification:

OCR Specification A

Qualification type:

A Level

Entry criteria (GCSE grades):

6 in Chemistry Higher Tier and Maths 5 or Science 6/6 Higher Tier and Maths 5

Subject description:

Chemistry is at the forefront  of scientific adventure. Without it there would be no plastics, metals, rubber, electricity, synthetic fibres, fertilisers or medicine. Chemistry is not just a matter of “what reacts with what” but “how?”, “why?” and “can it benefit society?” You may like to consider combining Chemistry with a complementary subject such as Biology, Physics or Maths.

Course breakdown:

Module 1 - Development of practical skills. Includes the skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation.

Module 2 - Foundation of Chemistry. Includes moles calculations, atomic structure, bonding and redox reactions.

Module 3 - Periodic Table and Energy. Includes enthalpy calculations, kinetics equilibria and green chemistry.

Module 4 - Core Organic Chemistry. Includes introduction to carbon compounds such as alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and halogenoalkenes.

Module 5 - Physical Chemistry and Transition elements. Includes quantitative kinetics and equilibria, electro- chemistry and transition elements.

Module 6 - Organic Chemistry and Analysis. Includes carboxylic acids, aromatics, nitrogen compounds and instrumental analysis.

How the course is assessed:

Paper 1 assesses modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. It is 2 hrs 15 mins long (37%).

Paper 2 assesses modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 plus any material appropriately flagged within the specification from modules

3 and 5.

It is 2 hrs 15 mins long (37%).

Paper 3 assess modules 1 to 6. It is 1 hr 30 mins long (26%).

Practical endorsement for Chemistry. This does not count towards the final grade but will show on the exam certificate as practical skills pass or fail.

Post-18 opportunities:

An A Level in Chemistry can help you on your way to a wide range of careers, including engineering, forensics, physiotherapy, medicine, law, accounting… or even art restoration.

Teacher responsible: Mrs C Moran.