Chemistry

Chemistry plays a vital part in virtually every aspect of our lives and the work of chemists has been responsible for the development of many of the materials which we now take for granted: plastics, dyestuffs, paints and cosmetics to mention but a few.

Chemistry is also intimately involved in understanding and combating a wide range of problems from the depletion of the ozone layer and pollution to unravelling the mysteries of the genetic code and researching cures for rampant diseases.

Exam Board:  Edexcel
Continuous assessed practicals

Course structure

AS/A2 examinations set by the Edexcel Board consist of six units.

The AS-level will usually be taken at the end of the lower-sixth year, and is made up of three units, including internally assessed practicals.

Students who choose to continue to study Chemistry in their upper-sixth year will take three further units to make up the A2, and to gain the full A-level qualification. One of these units will also be internally assessed practicals.

For students following one-year courses practical work is assessed throughout the first two terms. There is not a practical examination option.

Teaching

The teaching of the course will not adhere strictly to the order in the syllabus and topics will be linked in a more logical way with continual reference to industrial processes and the consideration of the effects of chemistry on the environment and everyday life.

The papers consist of structured, multiple-choice comprehension questions. These question types will be used during the course to develop particular skills.

Work in group and individual sessions emphasises the cross-linking between the physical, inorganic and organic areas of chemistry through a variety of approaches including comprehensions, discussions, problem solving and presentations.

Practical work

The planned course of practical work seeks to reinforce the theoretical principles, to teach you how to handle equipment and chemicals safely and accurately and how to interpret results of chemical investigations. The practical work is an essential and important part of the course. It is important that ailments such as asthma, hay fever or breathing problems are made known to the College when registering.

The one-year course

The one-year course also follows the Edexcel specification. The course is not taught in unit order, but it follows a path which brings together the material in such a way that the patterns and principles can be clearly seen. The course concentrates on the application of fundamental principles but being a one-year course it is, of necessity, taught at a fast pace. It is possible to take Units 1 and 2 in January (these are AS units).

It is possible to join us for A2 having taken AS at another school even if you have followed a different examination board. Do contact us for advice.

Background needed

GCSE Chemistry or Science is an ideal starting point, although it is possible to cover the subject from scratch if you are prepared to work extra hard. Although a background in the subject is useful, it is not essential. Determination and the ability to work hard are the main criteria.

Suitable combinations

Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Business Studies, Economics, Geography and Psychology.

After A-level

Chemistry is an integral part of many degree courses, the main ones being Chemistry itself, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Food Science, Marine Biology and Forensic Science. Chemistry A or AS-level is required for many Biology-based degrees. Its scientific approach also makes it a well-respected subject when applying for courses such as Law, Psychology, Business Studies, Accountancy – no shortage of choice!