Lower 6th Form Curriculum| Syllabus Followed: | Edexcel Chemistry 8CH01 (AS) and 9CH01 (A2) |
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| Entry Requirements: | B in GCSE Chemistry or BB in GCSE Core and Additional Science. Grade B in GCSE Mathematics is also expected. |
Chemistry is suitable for you if you have an interest in, and enjoy chemistry, want to find out about how things work in the real world, enjoy applying your mind to solving problems, and you want to use chemistry to progress onto further studies in Higher Education or support other qualifications or enter chemistry-based employment.
This course will give you the skills and understanding to make decisions about the way chemistry affects your everyday life by applying concepts into contemporary areas of chemistry including climate change, green chemistry, pharmaceuticals and chemistry research.
In addition it enable you to develop a range of skills sought by both employers and universities, such as problem-solving and efficient communication. Handling data will be a key part of your work, allowing you to demonstrate information retrieval skills as well as use of numeracy and ICT. You will build up a range of practical skills that require creativity and accuracy as well as developing a firm understanding of health and safety issues. In experimental work you will need to work effectively as part of a group. As you become more skilled you will take responsibility for selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods, recording your observations and findings accurately and precisely as well as critically analysing and evaluating the methodology, results and impact of your own and others’ experimental and investigative activities.
The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and process skills that you achieved in GCSE Science, Additional Science and Chemistry. In chemistry you will need to be able to communicate effectively, be able to carry out research, work independently and critically think about problems. Good practical skills are also important as chemistry is a very practical subject.
AS Chemistry gives you the opportunity to study a core of key concepts in greater detail. Many of the ideas first covered at GCSE will be revisited but with a greater emphasis on explaining rather than simply describing the behaviour of molecules. While studying GCE Chemistry you will develop practical skills that include making observations, collecting data, analysing experimental results and formulating conclusions. You will also gain an appreciation of how scientific models are developed and evolve, the applications and implications of science, the benefits and risks that science brings and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions.
Units 4 and 5 are both written examinations (100 mins each) comparable in style to Units 1 and 2.
Unit 6 assesses four aspects of your practical work, as in Unit 3, except that instead of carrying out activities c and d you can choose to carry out a multi-stage experiment in one longer practical.
Whilst many job opportunities specifically using chemistry require higher qualifications, most laboratory-based jobs benefit from a chemistry qualification, for instance dental assistant or veterinary assistant. Many employers view success at GCE Chemistry as a clear indication of sound academic ability.
UK HE institutions currently offer over 200 courses where chemistry is the primary subject. Often these courses can include an additional year’s study, either in industry or at a university abroad. Some courses can include study in other related area, such as chemistry with medicinal chemist, chemistry with forensic science and toxicology, and chemistry with pharmacology.
