Science KS5 Chemistry

Welcome to the Chemistry Department

To inspire and empower our students to make exceptional progress in science, to ensure they reach their academic potential and have the tools to apply scientific reasoning and logical thinking to everyday life and STEM based careers.

Why Choose A Level Chemistry?

Chemistry is everywhere; it's in our food, clothes, water, medicine, cleaners, air....you name it!! Chemistry is the glue that connects other science together; for example, biology, physics, geology and environmental science. Learning chemistry teaches you skills such as learning how to be objective, reason and solve problems. It explains the world around you. So there are many reasons to study chemistry, even if you aren't pursuing a career in science.

Chemistry is a complicated subject involving a great deal of dedication to study effectively. There are many things that simply have to be memorised as well as really complex mathematical and conceptual ideas to understand and apply. The more reading that students can do around the subject the better placed they will be to tackle the challenging questions that they will face. Reading can be scientific news accessed through the Internet or students may like to make use of the Chemistry Review magazine that is available to read in the library or they can take out their own subscription. The New Scientist is slightly broader in subject material but also provides an excellent starting point for extra reading.

The chemistry course is a linear course which is taught over 2 years. It is expected that students studying this subject will learn the required material throughout the two year. The staff will ensure that the required learning is taking place by regular spot tests. For every one hour lesson in the subject students are expected to do at least one hour of independent study.

There will be end of topic tests and formal assessments that students are expected to revise thoroughly for. If there are problems then a Clinic operates for one hour a fortnight, after school where students can study together and get help from peers and Chemistry staff.

Curriculum

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Chemistry Curriculum Map KS5

Click here for Sixth Form Subjects

Advanced Level Study

OCR’s GCE in Chemistry (A specification) consists of six teaching modules.

The programme of study will be based on the OCR AS Chemistry textbook and other relevant texts.

Outline of A Level Syllabus

Year 12: This covers modules 1-4 of the Advanced Level course and there is an internal examination at the end of one year of study.

Summary of Unit Content

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Chemistry

Practical skills assessed in a written examination
Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry

Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations
Amount of substance
Acid–base and redox reactions
Electrons, bonding and structure

Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy

The periodic table and periodicity
Group 2 and the halogens
Qualitative analysis
Enthalpy changes
Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)

Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry

Basic concepts
Hydrocarbons
Alcohols and halo alkanes
Organic synthesis
Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

Year 13: This covers modules 5 - 6 of the Advanced Level course and there is an external examination in June.

Module 5 – Physical chemistry

Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)
pH and buffers
Enthalpy, entropy and free energy
Redox and electrode potentials
Transition elements

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis

Aromatic compounds
Carbonyl compounds
Carboxylic acids and esters
Nitrogen compounds
Polymers
Organic synthesis
Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)

There is a practical element to the course, which is covered by teacher, and practical endorsement award is given as a pass or fail at the end of year 13.

Essential Student Qualification

We expect students to have at least 5 GCSEs with grades 9-5 however, must have a grade 6 or above in Chemistry/Science.

Desirable Student Qualifications

English GCSE grade 6 or above.
Mathematics GCSE Grade 6 or above although you are strongly recommended not to study A level Chemistry without a grade 8 or 9 in maths.

A summary of the External Examination:

	Duration	Weighting	Modules assessed
Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry. 100 marks	2 hr 15 mins	37%	1, 2, 3, 5
Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques. 100 marks	2 hr 15 min	37%	1, 2, 4, 6
Paper 3: Unified Chemistry. 70 marks	1 hr 30 mins	26%	All

Teaching and Learning Styles

Developing and doing experiments and try to interpret their results and keep these results in a lab book. A methodical and meticulous approach will be imperative.
Use and develop critical and imaginative thinking, communication skills e.g. discussion, writing, summarising, presentations.
Learn to research and reference material.
Learn to select, organise, present and interpret data.
Develop your appreciation of the social, economic, environmental and technological importance of chemistry. The ‘how science works’ element.

Higher Education Courses

Follow a degree course in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, medicine and pharmacy. These are a small selection of courses with direct links. (UCAS handbooks will give you further guidance.)
Follow a Higher National programme in chemical science, sport studies, beauty therapy applied biology, engineering, agriculture, animal management, countryside management, environmental science or horticulture
Employment in the area of pharmacy and biotechnology as possible examples

Examination Board:

OCR

Entry Requirements

Chemistry is an academically rigorous course which requires a robust foundation of knowledge. As a result, students are expected to have a minimum qualification of 6,6 at Science GCSE.

Why Study Chemistry?

Extra-Curricular

Specialist teachers are always available to support students and answer any questions they may have. We also support students with interview skills, especially those who apply to Chemical and Medical courses at University and Oxbridge.

Intervention through sessions after school to support students achieve their academic goals. Along with other workshop such as ‘Spectroscopy in a suitcase’ to apply the concepts taught in lessons.

Careers & Employment

Chemistry at A level is a prerequisite for many courses at university and for many areas of employments. Students become technically adept individuals, problem solvers, and can deal with complex and challenging ideas. The respect of the qualification allows student to progress into numerous subjects at university including; Chemical engineering, Pharmacology Bioscience, Medicine and as well as Chemistry. Chemistry graduates enter many disciples that remain essential to our rapidly developing society.

Facilities

The Science Faculty enjoys excellent facilities with 9 well equipped purpose built laboratories and a great team of subject specialists. The team is led by a Curriculum Leader. The faculty receives excellent support from an experienced team of professional technicians.

Subject Documents	Date
Chemistry Course	20th May 2020	Download

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