Chemistry

A level | AQA

Students will study physical, organic and inorganic chemistry in depth linking a wide variety of topics in biochemistry, materials science, environmental chemistry, synthesis, drug development and industrial chemistry. The course is designed to challenge and engage students in improving their analytical, practical and mathematical skills and to further their interest and understanding of the world around them. We offer enrichment opportunities through small lab projects and the Chemistry Olympiad. If you enjoyed GCSE but want to delve deeper and understand better why things happen and what the applications to the real world are then this is the course for you.

Progression Opportunities

The progression opportunities from a Chemistry A level are exciting and varied, from working on cures for diseases to developing new foods or solving environmental problems to forensics. Students going to university often go on to study chemistry, biology, medicine, pharmacology, chemical engineering or mathematics or go to work in science writing, toxicology or environmental analysis labs. Even if you decide not to go into chemistry the area of study offers important transferable skills that are highly regarded by universities and businesses.

Subject Visits and Enrichment Opportunities

When studying with our Chemistry Department you will experience two days at Sussex University with half spent in the undergraduate labs completing a practical project and half touring the facilities together with experiencing some University life. You will have the option to compete in the Chemistry Olympiad and to take part in some small lab projects throughout the year. In conjunction with the other science subjects we also offer an aspirant scientists programme to aid progression to science careers. Entry Requirements

• Grade 6-5 in Combined Science • Grade 6 in Maths (Grade 5 will be considered on an individual basis)

or • Grade 6 in Chemistry + Grade 5 in another Science plus Grade 6 in Maths

Assessment Overview

Students will be assessed at the end of Y13 in 3, 2 hour exams. All exams assess practical and theoretical knowledge of chemistry as well as problem solving and mathematical skills Paper 1: • Physical and inorganic chemistry • 105 marks • 35% of the A level

Paper 2: • Physical and organic chemistry • 105 marks • 35% of the A level Paper 3:

All content. All practical work. • 60 written marks • 30 multiple choice • 30% of the A level

Practical Endorsement:

Separate to the A level students will also receive a pass/ fail in a practical endorsement which is rigorously assessed through exciting investigative practical work across the 2 years, this is to prepare students for university level practical work.