Chemistry A level at Highworth Grammar School
Course description
A Level Chemistry is highly regarded by universities and many subjects, such as Medicine make it an entry requirement to their courses. A Level Chemistry is a rigorous, challenging and ultimately rewarding course that develops scientific skills and knowledge.
Course content
First year:
Physical: Atomic structure, mole calculations, bonding, energetics, qualitative kinetics and equilibria, including Le Chatelier’s Principle.
Inorganic: Periodicity, the chemistry of the Alkaline earth metals (group 2) and the Halogens (group 7).
Organic: The reactions of alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols and organic analysis.
Second year:
Physical: Thermodynamics, rate equations and equilibria constant, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells.
Inorganic: Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, the reactions of aqueous ions.
Organic: Optical isomerism, the reactions of carbonyls and their derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, amino acids and polymers, including protein as well as DNA, NMR spectroscopy and chromatography.
Entry requirements
Success at A Level means building on strong results at GCSE and so we require a Grade 7 or above in either Chemistry or Science (Double Award). Chemistry A Level requires a lot of mathematical manipulation; consequently, Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics is
strongly advised.
To attain good grades in Chemistry you should:
• have a curiosity about the subject
• be able to work independently as well part of a team
• communicate ideas effectively in your written work
• research and think critically about chemical problems
Assessment
Paper 1: Inorganic and physical chemistry with relevant practical skills (2 hours) 35%.
Paper 2: Organic, with relevant physical chemistry and practical skills (2 hours) 35%.
Paper 3: Practical skills (2 hours) 30%.
There is no separate practical exam as the practical skills will be examined within these papers. However, if 12 practical investigations are completed during the course to a satisfactory level, this will be acknowledged by an A Level Practical Endorsement
on the certificate.
How to apply
If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Highworth Grammar School directly.
Last updated date: 15 January 2018
