Lower 6th Form Curriculum

Chemistry

Syllabus Followed: Edexcel (visit web site)
Entry Requirements: Grade B in Chemistry or BB in Combined Science (Higher Tier). If taking Dual Award Science, your mark in the Chemistry component must also be of at least B grade standard. A good standard in Mathematics and English is also an advantage.

The AS & A2 level Chemistry course aims to:

• stimulate and sustain your interest in, and enjoyment of, Chemistry
• enable you to gain a knowledge and understanding of Chemistry and to appreciate the inter-linking patterns, which are a distinguishing feature of the subject
• show the inter-relationship between the development of the subject and its application (social, economic, environmental and technological) and recognise the value of chemistry to society and how it may be used responsibly
• develop your skills in laboratory procedures and techniques
• develop your ability to acquire knowledge by means of practical work
• provide opportunities for you to bring together knowledge of how different areas of chemistry relate to each other
• give you skills to communicate effectively, research and think theoretically

AS Course unit details

Unit 1: Structure, Bonding and Main Group Chemistry (30% of AS, 15% of A Level)

A written examination of 60 minutes (60 marks), consisting of structured questions to be answered on the question paper. Topics covered are: Atomic Structure, Formulae, Equations and Moles, Structures and Bonding, Periodic Table I, Introduction to Oxidation and Reduction - basic ideas of redox, Group 1 (lithium to caesium) and Group 2 (beryllium to barium), Group 7 (chlorine to iodine).

Unit 2: Introductory Organic Chemistry, Energetic, Kinetic and Equilibrium and Applications (30% of AS, 15% of A Level)

A written examination of 60 minutes (60 marks), consisting of structured questions, plus some opportunity for extended writing. The questions will be answered on the question paper. Topics covered are: Energetics I - Hess’s Law, Organic Chemistry I - introduction, alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes and alcohols, Kinetics I - qualitative, Chemical Equilibria I - qualitative, Industrial Inorganic Chemistry - Haber process, Contact process and the extraction of Aluminium.

Unit 3: Laboratory Chemistry I

• Unit 3A is an internal assessment or an externally assessed practical test of 1 hour 45 minutes, consisting of one question of a broadly quantitative nature. 20% of AS; 10% of A Level
• Unit 3B is a written examination of 60 minutes which will examine your ability to interpret information generated and drawn from experimental situations in the laboratory. 20% of AS; 10% of A Level

A2 Course unit details can be found at the Edexcel web site

What could I go on to do at the end of the course?

You could follow a degree course in chemistry, environmental science, biotechnology, medicine, dentistry or pharmacy. You could also follow a degree course such as Sport Studies, Beauty Therapy, Applied Biology, Engineering, Agriculture, Animal Management, Countryside Management, Environmental Science, Equine Management or Horticulture.

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