Chemistry

Although it is useful and interesting in itself, the study of Chemistry in the Sixth Form contains a compulsory vocational element for aspiring science, veterinary and medical students, and is also a potential springboard for almost any degree. Chemistry is a challenging but rewarding A Level. It suits those with an interest in the subject who work hard and take advice. Students need a willingness to think as well as to learn, and to be ready to ask as well as answer questions. The work should stimulate and sustain interest in the subject, enabling students to gain knowledge and appreciate the inter-linking patterns that are a distinguishing feature of Chemistry. All of the topics from GCSE are revisited, and studied in more detail and with more sophistication. A few new topics are introduced. This qualification is linear – this means that students will sit all the A Level exams at the end of their A Level course. Routine class practicals will both supplement the introduction and explanation of topics and ideas, and prepare for the assessment of practical skills, which is entirely by end-of-course examination (see below). Practical skills will be also be assessed during normal practical lessons and this assessment will used to decide the award of a practical skills endorsement of the A Level. In Year 12, students are given a solid grounding in foundation Chemistry. The specification introduces the chemical reactivity of atoms and molecules and provides an understanding of their structures. The development and use of the Periodic Table is explained. During Year 13, the specification builds on and develops the chemical concepts of Chemistry introduced during the previous year.

Subject content

Physical chemistry:

n Atomic structure; n Amount of substance; n Bonding; n Energetics; n Kinetics; n Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle; n Oxidation, reduction and redox equations; n Thermodynamics; n Rate equations; n Equilibrium constant Kc for homogeneous systems; n Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells; n Acids and bases.

Inorganic chemistry:

n Periodicity; n Group 2, the alkaline earth metals; n Group 7(17), the halogens; n Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides; n Transition metals; n Reactions of ions in aqueous solution.

Organic chemistry:

n Introduction to organic chemistry; n Alkanes; n Halogenoalkanes; n Alkenes; n Alcohols; n Organic analysis; n Optical isomerism; n Aldehydes and ketones; n Carboxylic acids and derivatives; n Aromatic chemistry; n Amines; n Polymers; n Amino acids, proteins and DNA; n Organic synthesis; n Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; n Chromatography.

Assessments Paper 1

What’s assessed: Inorganic Chemistry and the related Physical Chemistry topics, alongside relevant practical skills. n Written exam: 2 hours n 105 marks n 35% of A Level

Questions 105 marks of short and long answer questions

Paper 2

What’s assessed: Organic Chemistry and the related Physical Chemistry topics, alongside relevant practical skills. n Written exam: 2 hours n 105 marks n 35% of A Level

Questions 105 marks of short and long answer questions

Paper 3

What’s assessed: any content and any practical skills. Assessed n Written exam: 2 hours n 90 marks n 30% of A Level

Questions 40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis 20 marks of questions testing across the specification 30 marks of multiple choice questions