The school anticipates running all publicised courses, final decisions are based on course numbers

CHEMISTRY

Head of Department: Dr S. Read

Aims of the Course Make decisions about the way chemistry affects everyday life by applying concepts in-

to contemporary areas of chemistry including climate change, green chemistry and pharmaceuticals

Develop a range of generic skills requested by employers end universities such as problem-solving, oral and written communication, bundling data and ICT.

Build up a range of practical skills that require creativity and accuracy as well as devel-oping a firm understanding of Health and Safety issues.

Work effectively as part of a group developing team participation and leadership skills. Take responsibility for selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods, re-

cording your observations accurately and precisely as well as critically analysing and evaluating the methodology, results and impact of your own and others' experimental and investigative activities.

Types of Learning Experience: Students will study two modules in Year 12 and com-plete a third module of laboratory skills embedded within the taught units. A similar structure also applies in Year 13. Lessons will vary in format from lecture style to re-search, independent learning, practical and investigative work. Students are expected to keep a coherent folder of notes, exercises and practical write-ups throughout the course. Background reading should be done on a regular basis as well as keeping up to date with current trends by watching relevant TV programmes and read-ing science magazines

Link Subjects: Chemistry may be taken with any combination of sub-jects, but is particularly complemented by subjects such as Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Geography.

Progress to HE An A level in Chemistry is essential for courses such as Medicine, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Chemical Engineering.

Careers Whilst many job opportunities specifically using chemis-try require higher qualifications, most laboratory based jobs benefit from a chemistry qualification, for instance dental assistant or veterinary assistant. Many employers view success at GCE Chemistry as a clear indication of sound academic ability.

Unit 1 AS (Yr12)

The Core Principles of Chemistry

Formulae, equations and amounts of substance

Energetics

Atomic structure and the periodic table

Bonding

Introductory organic chemistry - alkanes and alkenes Assessment: Examination of 90m in 2 sections: objective test questions. mixture of short answer and extended answer questions

Unit 2 AS (Yr12)

Application of Core Principles of Chemistry

Shapes of molecules and ions

Intermediate bonding and bond polarity

Intermolecular forces

Redox

The periodic table - groups 2 and 7

Kinetics

Chemical equilibria

Organic chemistry - alcohols and halogenoalkanes

Mechanisms

Mass spectra and IR

Green chemistry Assessment: Examination of 90m in 3 sections: objective test questions, mixture of short answer and extended answer questions, contemporary context questions Entry requirements:

A minimum of 5 A*-C grades at GCSE Level 4-9 including English and Maths. GCSE Science grade B, Level 5 is

Unit 3 AS (Yr12)

Chemistry Laboratory Skills 1

Internally assessed throughout the core course by practicals, plus 3 formally assessed by practical activi-ties testing students’ Laboratory Skills of observation, measurement and preparation .

The school anticipates running all publicised courses, final decisions are based on course numbers

Unit 4 A2 (Yr13)

General Principles of Chemistry 1

How fast ? - rates

How far? - entropy

Equilibria

Application of rates and equilibrium

Acid/base equilibria

Further Organic Chemistry

Spectroscopy and chromatography Assessment

Examination of 100 m in 3 sections: objective test questions, mixture of short answer and extended answer questions, data analysis questions

Unit 5 A2 (Yr13)

General Principles of Chemistry 2

Redox and the chemistry of the transistion metal

Organic chemistry—arenes, nitrogen compounds and synthesis

Assessment

Examination of 100 m in 3 sections: objective test questions, mixture of short answer and extended answer questions, contemporary context questions

CHEMISTRY continued

Unit 6 AS (Yr13)

Chemistry Laboratory Skills 2

Assessed in a similar way to the AS laboratory skills unit.