Course Overview
You will study a range of topics over the two years.
Year one will include atomic structure, chemical equilibrium, chemical calculations, energetics and kinetics and chemical bonding.
Year two will cover spectroscopy, organic compounds and synthesis, redox, chemical kinetics, periodicity enthalpy, entropy and equilibria.
There is an assessed practical exam so the course involves laboratory experiments related to course material.
20/10/22
Entry Requirements
Grade B in GCSE English Language, Maths (higher tier) and Science.
Course Delivery
A substantial part of the first term involves experimental work on group 2 and group 7 chemistry.
The assessments are taken from the areas of quantitative analysis and stoichiometry and thermochemistry. Candidates will be given the opportunity to acquire the given skills before they are assessed.
End of topic tests and mock exams are used to monitor student progress.
The volume and complexity of the AS Chemistry course demands that students develop individual learning strategies. A variety of teaching styles are therefore used to suit the subject.
During the second year (A2) a substantial part of the first term involves experimental work on Redox reactions as preparation for the A2 inorganic assessment. The two A2 practical assessments are carried out during class time but treated as an external examination and marked by the WJEC.
The assessments are taken from the areas of inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. The first assessment involves the preparation of an inorganic compound and the analysis of the compound using volumetric analysis. The second assessment involves devising and applying a procedure to identify several unknown organic compounds.
Candidates will be given the opportunity to acquire the given skills before they are assessed.
The volume and complexity of the A2 Chemistry course demands that students improve the learning strategies acquired during their first year AS course.
Additional strategies are therefore taught to help the learner cope with the volume and complexity of the subject material.
Throughout the two years, students are taught by two lecturers and class contact time is 4.5 hours. Homeworks are regularly set. End of topic tests and mock exams are used to monitor student progress.
Progression Opportunities
A Level Chemistry is a compulsory requirement of many higher education courses including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, dietetics and pharmacy.
Additional Information
When carrying out practical work, you are provided with laboratory coats and safety goggles. The strongest chemistry students are entered for the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad for sixth form students.
All students are encouraged to become members of the Royal Society for Chemistry ChemNet group. ChemNet Ambassadors have visited the college to talk to the students about the benefits of joining Chemnet whilst also offering a short talk opening their eyes to careers using chemistry.