Chemistry (OCR A)

Everything around us is made up of chemicals, including ourselves. Chemistry is about making and designing new molecules, analysing substances and working out how and why chemical reactions happen. The search for new substances is never ending and by studying Chemistry you can be part of this. It is considered the central science and hence is a key requirement for veterinary and medically related courses.

Here at Sexey’s we follow the OCR A specification which is developed in conjunction with The Royal Society of Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline and leading teachers. The course equips students with many transferable skills vital to success in the future such as data handling, problem solving ad critical analysis. This is why chemistry is often a desirable subject choice on further education and employment applications and allows students to enter a wide range of careers from the more obvious science based careers to the less obvious areas of accountancy and management consultancy.

A Level

Content:

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Chemistry

Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry

Module 3 – Periodic table and energy

Module 4 – Core organic Chemistry

Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and transition elements

Module 6 – Organic Chemistry and analysis

Assessment:

The A Level is composed of three exams and a practical endorsement.

1: Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry: Written exam covering modules 1, 2, 3 & 5, 2 hours 15 mins, 37% of A Level

2: Synthesis and Analytical Techniques: Written exam covering modules 1, 2, 4 & 6, 2 hours 15 mins, 37% of A Level

3: Unified Chemistry: Written exam covering all modules 1 to 6, 1 hour 30 mins, 26% of A Level

Practical endorsement: non-exam assessment that is reported separately to the A Level grade.

Minimum Entry Requirements:  Five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including Grade 6/6 in Double Science or Grade 6 in two separate sciences including Chemistry. Due to the increased mathematical emphasis of the course we also require GCSE Mathematics Grade 6.

Updated September 2023