Chemistry
OVERVIEW
Students engage in research and practical exploration, developing a deep appreciation for chemical and medicinal advances. Studying in modern, well-equipped laboratories, students benefit from an experienced teaching team skilled in university-level research, A-level examining, and university interview preparation.
The fabrics in our clothes, the paint on our car, the screen on our mobile phone – every one of these innovations required the expert knowledge of a chemist in its production. Chemists have changed our world and they will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the world of tomorrow.
The course suits those who enjoy a hands-on approach, those who wish to progress to further study of chemistry or one of its many closely related sciences, and those who wish to use it to support applications in other areas, such as veterinary or medical sciences, for which it is a required subject. An outline of the topics for study is below.
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
Chemistry is a practical subject and the development of practical skills is fundamental to understanding the nature of chemistry. This unit gives pupils a chance to develop the skills needed to plan and implement practical investigations, and to analyse and evaluate experimental data.
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
This module acts as an important bridge between GCSE/IGCSE and A-level chemistry, covering many of the important ideas that underpin the subject. Topics such as atomic structure, quantitative chemistry, acids, redox reactions, bonding and structure are covered.
Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
Inorganic and physical chemistry, energy and environmental concerns are explored in this module.
Specific areas for study include the periodic table, enthalpy (heat energy) changes, rates of reaction, sustainability and chemical equilibria.
Module 4 -Core organic chemistry
This section introduces organic chemistry and its important applications to everyday life. Topics covered include formulae, hydrocarbons, alcohols, haloalkanes, organic synthesis and analysis.
Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
The inorganic and physical chemistry introduced in module 3 is extended to include equilibria and acid dissociation constants, buffer solutions, energy cycles, electrochemistry and the reactions of the transition elements.
Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis
In this module the organic reactions of a variety of functional groups are introduced, including the reactivity of aromatic compounds, carboxylic acids, esters, amines and amino acids. Addition and condensation polymerisation are also studied.
ASSESSMENT
The A-level course is assessed at the end of the second year in three exam papers: two 2¼ hour papers each of 100 marks, and one 1½ hour paper of 70 marks. There is also a ‘practical endorsement’ completed from the practical investigations carried out during the course which is reported separately to the grade obtained from the examined A-level units.
Chemistry is a hugely rewarding and challenging course.
Experience suggests that high grades are possible if Grade 8 has been achieved at GCSE/IGCSE, providing a committed, energetic and organised approach is adopted throughout the course. It is a subject that rewards sustained effort.
OUR SYLLABUS
The A-level course contains a significant amount of practical work. Pupils carry out a number of syntheses of organic compounds, including making aspirin and carrying out the nitration of aromatic compounds using a mixture of concentrated acids. These experiments can be challenging and take multiple lessons to complete, but are a rewarding challenge.
- Module 1: Development of practical skills
- Module 2: Foundations in chemistry
- Module 3: Periodic table and energy
- Module 4: Core organic chemistry
- Module 5: Physical chemistry and transition elements
- Module 6: Organic chemistry and analysis
WHY STUDY CHEMISTRY AT A-LEVEL?
Almost every aspect of our daily lives has been shaped and enhanced by the actions of a chemist. The fabrics in our clothes, the paint on our car, the screen on our mobile phone – each of these innovations required the expertise of a chemist in its production. Chemists have changed our world and will undoubtedly play a pivotalrole in determining the world of tomorrow. Above all, chemistry lies at the interface of the science disciplines, linking concepts from physics, biology, medicine, mathematics and environmental science. Chemistry is a hugely rewarding and challenging course – it’s a subject that rewards sustained effort.
Pupils have many opportunities to stretch themselves, including taking part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad. Every year we have pupils producing outstanding results in these globally recognised events.
Chemists also benefit from a range of visiting speakers, from local university lecturers to successful business leaders in chemically-relevant fields.
Chemistry students keen on a career in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science can expand their understanding of professional careers, and prepare for UCAT assessments and university interviews through our bespoke Medics society. This group gives focused support to all those pupils dedicated to a career in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
- Problem-solving and mathematical literacy
- Strong practical competence
- Effective communication of complex ideas
- Highly regarded by universities and employers, particularly for medicine, veterinary science, and dentistry.
Students progress to fields such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, engineering, chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacy.
