Colchester Royal Grammar School: Chemistry

Chemistry

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GCSE Course (AQA 4421)

The National Curriculum for Science requires that this course can be taken only with GCSE Biology and Physics.

Many of the common practical techniques and main theoretical concepts in Chemistry are introduced during Key Stage Three. This means that students opting for CHEMISTRY within Science Option A will already be familiar with both the level of understanding and the depth of knowledge expected, and will have met examples of the social, technological and environmental impacts of chemists at work.

The new AQA suite of GCSE science qualifications was introduced in September 2006.

GCSE Chemistry 4421 forms part of this suite, and is designed to increase the emphasis on 'how chemistry works' and its part in society. Written assessment is via three examination papers as follows:

• Chemistry 1: Written paper: 25% of total marks, 45 minutes (taken in June of Year 10)
• Chemistry 2: Written paper: 25% of total marks, 45 minutes (taken in January of Year 11)
• Chemistry 3: Written paper: 25% of total marks, 45 minutes (taken in June of Year 11)

The assessment of practical skills will be embedded in the teaching process and should encourage students to enjoy practical activities more. This is a move away from the previous model of assessment based on separate investigations. This Centre-Assessed Unit is worth 25% of the total marks and will be assessed at several points during the course. The best mark will then be selected to go forward to the Board.

At GCSE we pursue a policy of teaching through practical experience and discussion, aiming to develop both manipulative and observational skills whilst stimulating constructive thought, deductive reasoning and debate about the place and value of chemistry in society. In this way, we try to give a solid foundation to those students who intend to continue with the subject to A-Level and beyond.

Chemistry offers a huge range of learning experiences and provides a good platform for many scientific careers incorporating Physics or Engineering. Chemistry is essential for students wishing to pursue chemical, medical or veterinary vocations.

A-Level Course (AQA AS 1421, A 2421) - new for September 2008

Full specification

Chemistry is the key science for understanding all forms of matter in the Universe. It studies the ways in which energy is associated with mass, chemical structure and chemical reactions. A good chemist knows what holds the material world together and how to change it. The products of chemistry make a huge impact on our daily lives.

Knowledge of chemistry is fundamental to a whole range of more specialised sub-sciences. That is why a thorough training in chemistry will stand you in good stead, whatever your future may be.

Students intending to study A Level Chemistry should have a good grounding in the facts and principles provided by the GCSE course. The A Level builds upon this foundation. Students must expect not merely to be fed with information, but be prepared to interpret data and observations, to research explanations and to contribute to class activities. Practical work is used wherever possible to illuminate the theoretical principles of the course.

Mathematical requirements are little more than those needed for GCSE. To study mathematics at A Level would be useful, but is by no means essential.

The redrafted AQA specification which will be introduced from September 2008 has been designed to:

• Develop a candidate's knowledge and understanding of Chemistry to provide a pathway to further study
• Ensure that learning is enjoyable, and enhances a candidate's enthusiasm for Chemistry
• Ensure relevance to contemporary issues by building on the concepts of How Science Works that were introduced at GCSE

Among the many benefits, this new specification is designed to encourage candidates to:

• Gain hands-on practical skills and data analysis skills
• Appreciate How Science Works and its relevance beyond the laboratory
• Develop an enthusiasm for Chemistry
• Demonstrate a synoptic understanding of the overall course
• Study Chemistry rigorously, but in a contemporary context

AS Level

At AS Level candidates are given a solid grounding in foundation Chemistry. The specification introduces the chemical reactivity of atoms and molecules and provides an understanding of their structures.

The development and use of periodic table is explained. The introduction of Practical Skills Assignments (PSA) into the specification allows teachers to credit candidates for work done in routine class practicals. Assessment therefore becomes linked to the work of the course, and moves away from formulaic testing.

Unit 1, Foundation Chemistry, will cover:(15%)

• Particles, the composition of the nucleus, isotopes and the use of mass spectrometry
• Calculating the amount of substance
• Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding and intermolecular forces
• The construction of the periodic table
• Organic chemistry
• Alkanes from crude oil

Unit 2, Chemistry in Action, will cover:

• Collision theory and effect
• Definitions of oxidation and reduction
• Redox properties of halogens and halide ions
• The extraction of metals
• Haloalkanes and alkenes

Unit 3, Investigative and Practical Skills, will cover:

• Making observations and measurements
• Analysing and evaluating results

A2 Level

At A2 Level the specification develops the concepts of physical chemistry introduced at AS Level. Candidates will study kinetics, equilibria, organic chemistry and spectroscopic techniques to determine the molecular formulae and structures of organic compounds. Candidates will continue to be assessed through PSA, gaining credit for work done in routine class practical work.

Unit 4, Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry, will cover:

• Acids and bases
• Nomenclature and Isomerism in organic chemistry
• Compounds containing the carbonyl group
• Amines; base properties and nucleophilic properties
• Polymers
• Organic synthesis and analysis

Unit 5, Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry, will cover:

• Thermodynamics
• Periodicity; reactions of Period 3 elements
• Redox equilibria
• General properties of transition metals

Unit 6, Investigative and Practical Skills, will cover:

• Making observations and measurements
• Analysing and evaluating results

Examination Summary

Beyond A-level

A Level Chemistry is required for entry to most Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science courses, as well as to Pharmacy, the biological sciences and the material sciences. Chemistry is also useful, though not essential for entry to Physics, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Agriculture. Industry needs chemists for research, development and production. The public services employ chemists in important analytical and forensic science roles. Chemists monitor pollution, the environment and climate. Increasingly, the analytical skills chemists possess are being sought by graduate recruiters in such diverse fields as accountancy, financial services, law, marketing and management.

The Royal Society of Chemistry can give detailed career information (www.rsc.org).