Chemistry

Chemistry is about everything. It is the central science that explains how the world around us works. It enables us to see patterns in the myriads of chemical reactions that occur in nature.

The Curriculum

In this course students will see how the laws of chemistry and the skills of today’s chemists have been used to achieve our present high standards of living. AS Chemistry is an exciting course that places emphasis on the application of knowledge and the usefulness of laboratory research.

Progress will be checked via Independent Study packs and end of unit tests.

Students will study the basic laws and principles of chemistry and learn how to predict the properties and the atomic structure of elements from their positions in the periodic table. Topics will also include organic chemistry, carbon compounds including fossil fuels, plastics and recycling. Students learn how to control chemical reactions and the importance of chemistry in manufacturing processes. Students are introduced to modern analytical techniques such as mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance.

A-Level: three written examinations each 2 hours long, at the end of two years.

There are 9 lessons over the two week timetable taught by 2 Chemistry specialist teachers.

Students’ practical skills will be developed throughout the course and assessed in the written examinations.

Exam Board

AQA A level Chemistry http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/chemistry-7404-7405

Course Code: 7405

Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/chemistry/specifications/AQA-7404-7405-SP-2015.PDF

Past papers

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/chemistry-7404-7405/assessment-resources

Text books and Revision Resources

Text books: Year 1 and Year 2 A-level Chemistry, Hodder

Reading List: Students will be given a list of books and articles