The boys will be following the AQA Chemistry for the AS qualification. This is because the course follows on well from the GCSE course with a simple, modular structure and coursework similar to that carried out at GCSE.
At AS Level there are 3 units to be studied. Unit 1 is normally taken in January, Unit 2 is taken in June and Unit 3 consists of an ISA taken at an appropriate time during the year and 6 PSA tasks taken throughout the course.
Unit 1: Foundation Chemistry
This module aims to build on Chemical concepts studied at GCSE and develop them to AS Level standard. The boys will study atomic structure, amount of substance (moles), bonding, periodicity, organic chemistry and alkanes. The unit 1 paper is worth 33.3% of the total AS marks and consists of 4-6 short answer questions and 1-2 longer, more structured questions. The exam is 1 hour and 15 minutes long.
Unit 2: Chemistry in Action
The second AS module introduces more of the principles that underpin Chemistry and looks at the applications of these principles and those that have been developed in Unit 1. The boys will study energetic, kinetics, equilibria, redox reactions, the halogens, group 2 metals, extraction of metals, haloalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and analytic techniques. The unit 2 paper is worth 46.7% of the total AS marks and consists of 6-8 short answer questions and 2 longer, more structured questions. The exam lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Unit 3- Internal Assessment
Unit 3 is worth 20% of the total AS marks and consists of 2 sections. The boys will carry out 6 PSA tasks (practical skills assessment), taking the form of simple practicals such as titrations, making up solutions or calculating energy changes. The boys will then need to carry out an ISA task, which is similar in format to the GCSE ISA.
A2
At A2 Level there are 3 units to be studied. Unit 4 is normally taken in January, Unit 5 is taken in June and Unit 6 consists of an ISA taken at an appropriate time during the year and 6 PSA tasks taken throughout the course.
Unit 4: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry
This unit develops the concepts of physical chemistry introduced at AS. The boys will kinetics, equilibria, acids and bases, nomenclature and isomerism in organic chemistry, carbonyl compounds, aromatic chemistry, amines, amino acids, polymers, structure determination and organic synthesis. The unit 4 paper is worth 20% of the total A Level marks and consists of 6-8 short answer questions and 2-3 longer, more structured questions. Some of the questions will have a synoptic element. The exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes long.
Unit 5: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry
The second A2 module develops more of the inorganic and physical chemistry concepts covered at AS. The boys will study thermodynamics, periodicity, redox equilibria, transition metals and reactions of inorganic compounds. The unit 5 paper is worth 20% of the total A Level marks and consists of 6-8 short answer questions and 2-3 longer, more structured questions. Some of the questions will have synoptic elements. The exam lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Unit 6- Internal Assessment
Unit 6 is worth 10% of the total A Level marks and consists of 2 sections. The boys will carry out 6 PSA tasks (practical skills assessment), taking the form of simple practicals such as titrations, making up solutions or calculating energy changes. The boys will then need to carry out an ISA task, which is similar in format to the AS ISA.
What can Chemistry do for me?
AS Chemistry is a challenging course that will provide the boys with a set of practical and analytical skills that they can use in a wide range of careers ranging from medicine and forensics to pharmaceuticals and agriculture. The boys will use notes, textbooks and internet resources to develop their Chemical skills and perform well in a difficult, yet rewarding subject.