Chemistry

Aims of the course

A Level Chemistry is an intellectually challenging, hands-on and stimulating course that provides boys with a set of practical and analytical skills that are relevant to a wide variety of careers:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of content that is relevant to real world experiences in the area of chemical sciences, promoting interest and enthusiasm for the subject
• To develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
• To develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
• To develop an interest in further study and careers associated with Chemistry

Course content

Boys will follow AQA A Level Chemistry. AQA is the examination board used at GCSE and as such, this is a natural progression for boys. The specification provides boys with an excellent foundation from which to continue their study of Chemistry at University, should they choose to pursue the discipline further.

The course is divided into three units:  Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. A brief summary of the topics covered in each unit is given in the table below, with certain subjects studied in Year 12 to allow the development of new concepts and ideas. These ideas are investigated and developed further in Year 13.  Practical skills will be assessed during lessons throughout the year via practical laboratory sessions and also in written examinations at the end of the course.

Advance level Chemistry Assessment

The course is assessed via three written papers. A summary of each paper is given in the table below. Content from both years of study is examined.

Notably, there is now no internal coursework that contributes marks towards the A level grades. Instead practical work will be assessed in the written examinations. A separate ‘endorsement’ of practical work will be awarded by teachers. If students pass this will be reported on their certificate and independent of their A level grade. Boys will also be required to take regular internal assessments in order to monitor progress. Feedback from internal assessments will be delivered directly to parents, tutors and boys.

Career Opportunities

Chemistry is the science of materials, and is a rapidly changing subject that is constantly in the news. Studying Chemistry at A level will help you develop an understanding of patterns of behaviour and the influence that the subject has over our modern day lives – particularly of how chemical processes have been developed and to help us understand how materials behave and how they may be modified and improved.

Chemistry is a popular subject of study at A level. It is considered as being a facilitating subject due to the number of transferable skills developed through its study thus allowing egress into a wide number of higher education courses.

Apart from the obvious career choices within the chemical industries there are many other job paths. These range through:

• Chemical Engineering
• Medicine (for which Chemistry is an essential subject choice)
• Dentistry
• Forensic Science
• Pharmacy
• Finance
• Business
• Agriculture