Chemistry - A Level

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Course content Year 12 Physical Chemistry In this section you will study atomic structure, mole calculations, structure and bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibrium and redox chemistry, together with many key practical skills. Inorganic Chemistry This section comprises periodicity alongside trends in Group 2 and Group 7 of the periodic table. Organic Chemistry This introduces you to organic chemistry and in particular Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and organic synthesis. Year 13 Physical Chemistry Building on the solid foundation in year 12 you will study rate equations,thermodynamics and equilibrium constants as
well as acids and bases and electrochemical cells. Inorganic Chemistry This further extends your study of periodicity to include transition metals and the properties of period 3 elements, together with reactions of ions in aqueous
solution and catalysis. Organic Chemistry This extends your knowledge and understanding of organic chemistry to include optical isomerism, and a range of organic substances including amino acids, polymers, and aromatic compounds, together with more detailed analytical techniques of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Chromatography.

Method of Assessment Paper 1: 2h written exam on Physical and Inorganic chemistry plus practical skills 105 marks (35% of total A level) Paper 2: 2h written exam on Physical and Organic chemistry topics plus practical skills 105 marks (35% of total A level) Paper 3: 2h written exam Any content from the specification and practical skills 90 marks (30% of total A level) Extended Learning Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Links with Huddersfield University Royal Society of Chemistry Olympia HE+ Extension Activities Royal Society of Chemistry Young Analyst’s Competition

Minimum requirements for admission to the Sixth Form:

• A grade 5 in Mathematics, with a 6 preferred.
• A grade 5 in English Language or English Literature, with a 6 preferred.
• Achieving at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 6 or above.

Subject specific requirement

• Grade 6 in Chemistry or 66 in Science
• Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

Career Opportunities Chemists are employed in industry, the scientific civil service or in education. Chemistry also provides an opportunity for careers in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, geology, environmental science and engineering, as well as pharmacy, pharmacology, forensic science, environment & health, dietetics and food science. Apprenticeships with companies such as EDF are also a future option.