Chemistry
A-Level Chemistry takes concepts that have been introduced at GCSE and explores them in much greater depth. Organic Chemistry is introduced in a much more substantial way than at GCSE and there is a greater emphasis on the use of mathematics to underpin the understanding of a wide range of concepts.
By the end of the course, you should have developed your ability to access and apply your knowledge to a wide range of different scenarios.
Specification: OCR A H432
The Course
Year 12
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Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills
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Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry
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Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy
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Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry
Year 13
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Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills
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Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements
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Module 6 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis
Skills
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Sound numeracy skills (20% of the question paper assessment includes mathematical skills)
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Making links and applying understanding
The Key Stage 5 Chemistry Curriculum Plan can be found at the bottom of the page.
Examinations
Year 12 – internal school examinations at the end of Year 12
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Multiple choice, structured and extended response questions.
Year 13 Public Examinations
Component 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry – 37% (100 marks, 2 hour 15 minutes written paper)
Component 1 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5.
Component 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques – 37% (100 marks, 2 hour 15 minutes written paper)
Component 2 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6.
Component 3: Unified chemistry – 26% (70 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes written paper)
Component 3 assesses content from all modules.
Component 4: Practical Endorsement in Chemistry
The Practical Endorsement in Chemistry will be graded Pass or Fail. This will be reported separately. Students will complete and keep a record of assessed practical tasks throughout the two years.
Enrichment
In Year 13, the UK Chemistry Olympiad co-ordinated by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Lower Sixth Chemistry Challenge co-ordinated by University of Cambridge.
For further details, please contact Mrs E Pearl