Chemistry

We would expect students to have met the expectations for entry to 6th form and to have a grade 6 in Chemistry. We welcome conversations with individual students about their suitability for the course.

A qualification in Chemistry is one of the most marketable around, opening doors in the real world due to the skills it develops. It shows that you have the ability to analyse facts and interpret data in both numerical and literal forms. As such it is a qualification which is not only essential for many science-based courses such as Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Biosciences, Genetics, Pharmacy, Biochemistry and Environmental Sciences but also is a valid entry qualification for a whole range of careers.

Students hoping to study A-level Chemistry must have a genuine interest in the subject and be willing to work hard.  They should have demonstrated a good level of attainment and commitment to science.  

Our objective is to ensure that learning is enjoyable, and enhances students’ enthusiasm for Chemistry.  The new specification, which has been adopted since September 2015, has been tailored to follow on from Combined Trilogy Science at GCSE, and will develop students’ knowledge and understanding to provide a pathway to further study.

The Year 12 course in Chemistry is designed to provide an appropriate assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills expected of students who have completed the first half of a full A-level qualification.

Aspects of Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry will be studied and examined in Year 12, covering concepts on atomic structure, the mole, periodicity, kinetics, equilibria and organic chemistry.  These units will also contain practical elements which are assessed in six class practical sessions and in the three written exam papers at the end of Year 13.

In Year 13, students build and expand on the fundamental concepts studied in Year 12. The modules will include such topics as kinetics, equilibria, energetics, redox reactions and further inorganic and organic chemistry.  These topics will also contain practical elements which are assessed in the three written exam papers and six class practical sessions.

Chemistry is fundamentally an experimental subject. The new AQA specification provides numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students with the essential practical skills they need.

As well as this practical knowledge, chemistry students develop many other skills prized by employers such as problem solving, numeracy, communication, creativity, data analysis and team work.

Career Opportunities:  Chemistry is fundamental to most scientific careers.  With a qualification in Chemistry you could go on to Higher Education to study such subjects as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Law, Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences, Agriculture.

 

STUDENT QUOTE

What do you like about Chemistry?

The subject is thoroughly enjoyable, in particular I found the organic chemistry excellent. Learning about the different mechanismas, the ways in which different molecules react and the substances that they form is very interesting. The chemical equations are quite challenging but once you've got the hang of it, they become very interesting. Looking into more depth about the mole and how it is applied to aspects of chemistry such as equilibrium equations in particular is great as you don't touch upon it in great detail at GCSE. Tristan Browning