The A level specification guides an enthusiastic pupil through the initial challenges of the subject by concentrating on establishing the strong foundations of theoretical and practical skills that form the backbone of Chemistry.

The first year builds on knowledge acquired at GCSE and in the second year the development of a greater depth of understanding is expected. Emphasis is placed on experiments throughout the course, as all Chemical knowledge is derived from direct observation of the world around us.

Chemistry is often referred to as ‘the central science’ as it intersects with so many other fields, meaning that it can be paired with many other A level subjects.

GCSE Requirements: Minimum grade 7 in Chemistry (or Dual Science) and grade 7 in Mathematics.

Aims of the course:

• To develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Chemistry
• To increase their awareness of the applications of Chemistry in other contexts and in industry
• To develop pupils’ abilities to carry out practical work accurately and effectively

Skills needed to succeed:

• Pupils are introduced via experiments and the practical part of the course is assessed
• Some theoretical concepts are quite abstract and require a willingness to think of them in terms of models which we can visualise and understand
• Although the level of mathematical skills required is not especially high, pupils who struggle with mathematics will find physical Chemistry very challenging.

Module 1:

Development of Practical Skills

Module 2:

Foundations in Chemistry

Module 3:

Periodic Table & Energy

Module 4:

Core Organic Chemistry

Module 5:

Physical Chemistry & Transition Elements

Module 6:

Organic Chemistry & Analysis

Examination Board: OCR
Specification: H432 Chemistry A

Mr Callum M White, Head of Chemistry