CHEMISTRY

Chemistry sits at the crossroads of many disciplines and is often called the Central Science It is a stimulating subject in its own right, its aim being to explain, manipulate and mimic the material world around us You will find the chemist peering into the nanoscopic world of individual atoms and predicting their behaviour using powerful computers; or developing new, non-polluting power sources; perhaps inventing novel polymers to be used in technology and medicine; and even synthesizing new and complex molecules that imitate the natural substances found in biological systems The A level course will allow you to understand the world at a more fundamental level, giving you an insight into the practical applications of the subject, valuable training in the scientific method, and developing transferrable skills that are prized by universities and employers alike

Your suite of A levels goes a long way to deciding your university and career pathways; Chemistry is welcomed by all subjects and employers The chemist is trained to problem-solve and to analyse data, looking for patterns: these skills are often considered invaluable, and many Chemistry graduates end up working in law, the financial services and management as a result

What is the course content?

The course builds on material studied at (I)GCSE, with the Upper Sixth, in turn, building on AS material You will initially be familiar with the concepts being studied, but we will quickly expand on these as the course progresses

Lower Sixth Form topics include atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding and structure, redox chemistry, groups 1 and 7, moles, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and halogenoalkanes, analytical techniques, energetics, kinetics and equilibria

Upper Sixth Form topics include equilibria II, kinetics II and energetics II, acids and bases, redox II, transition metals, further organic chemistry, analytical techniques II and synthetic pathways

How is the course assessed?

We follow the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Chemistry specification (9CH0) All candidates must pass a practical competency component (this runs over the two years and involves carrying out 16 practical assignments – this is a pass/fail component, no one has ever failed!) and a series of terminal exams in June of the Upper Sixth comprising:

° Paper 1 – 1½ hrs – physical and inorganic Chemistry – 30% of final score

° Paper 2 – 1½ hrs – physical and organic Chemistry –30% of final score

° Paper 3 – 2½ hrs – general and practical principles of Chemistry – 40% of final score

What else should I consider?

The single most important Chemical proficiency is a capacity for hard work, with reviewing material you found difficult and being proactive when you need help Hot on the heels of these, and shown to be very helpful, is a good (level 7) Chemistry (I)GCSE as well as a good (level 8) GCSE Maths qualification

Co-curricular opportunities include weekly academic support sessions, Oxbridge preparation groups and Chemistry symposiums

Pre-course material

Chemguide offers an excellent idea of the level required: https://www chemguide co uk/

As does Seneca; perhaps try some of the earlier questions on atomic structure: https://app senecalearning com/classroom/course/52 85ba4d-414f-49ab-9b1e-69f3336d5002