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Ursuline College

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Chemistry

Subject

A-level Chemistry

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs grades 9-4

 

5-5 in Combined Science GCSE is the minimum requirements. 5 in Pure Chemistry at GCSE is desirable.

Exam Board

OCR Syllabus A

https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/180070-a-level-chemistry-a-fact-sheet.pdf

 

Content relating to the subject qualification

Year 12 (1st year of A level)

Module 1 – Development of skills in Chemistry – Planning, Implementing, Analysis and Evaluation.

Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry – Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations, Amount of substance, Acid-base and redox reactions, Electrons, bonding and structure.

Module 3 – Periodic Table and energy – The periodic table and periodicity, Group 2 and the halogens, Qualitative analysis, Enthalpy changes, Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative).

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry – Basic concepts, Hydrocarbons, Alcohols and haloalkanes, Organic synthesis, Analytical techniques (MS and IR).

Year 13 (2nd year of A level):

Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements – Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative), pH and buffers, Enthalpy, entropy and free energy, Redox and electrode potentials, Transition elements.

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis – Aromatic compounds, Carbonyl compounds, Carboxylic acids and esters, Nitrogen compounds, Polymers, Organic synthesis, Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR).

Assessment of the qualification

H432/01 – Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (Modules 1,2,3,5)

100 marks in 2 hours 15 minutes = 37% of A level

H432/02 – Synthesis and analytical techniques (Modules 1,2,4,6)

100 marks in 2 hours 15 minutes = 37% of A level

H432/03 – Unified chemistry (Modules 1-6)

70 marks in 1 hour 30 minutes = 26% of A level

H432/04 - 12 Practical Activity Groups (PAG) tasks are internally assessed to gain a Practical Endorsement.

Career Pathways

Chemistry makes our world more colourful, more efficient, more reliable and safer. Pharmaceuticals, synthetic fabrics, dissolving stitches and brake fluid are all chemical products.

Chemistry is essential for students who wish to study medicine and related subjects. Other careers linked to chemistry include – Forensics, Environmental Science, Healthcare, Nursing, Pharmacology, Clinical biochemistry, Chemical engineering, Toxicology, Research scientist, Teacher, Ocean scientist.

There are many science degrees available at university from pure chemistry to joint honours such as Ocean Science (chemistry with geography) or Archaeological chemistry (chemistry with history).

 

 

Extra-Curricular

Local links with STEM and Pfizer involve Year 12 and 13 chemists in events at least once a year.

Year 12 and 13 chemists help with KS3 and KS4 STEM activities such as Global experiments and trips.

 

We arrange visits to universities and chemistry related organisations to see science at the cutting edge.

Our Mission and Values

We value each individual as a person made, known and loved by God

We value the whole person, spiritual, physical and intellectual

We value forgiveness and reconciliation

We value justice, equal opportunities and fairness

We value faith development as individuals and as part of communities

We value learning, growth and achievement

We value serving others and caring for those in need

Read Our Values & Ethos Statement

Trust Information

Ursuline College is an academy, and part of the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership. The Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership is an exempt charity and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under company registration number 08176019 at registered address: Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ. St Edmund's Catholic School is a business name of Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership.

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