Chemistry

Sixth Form > Our Pathways

Chemistry

The course will allow students to develop an understanding in physical, organic and inorganic branches of Chemistry. As well as theoretical ideas, pupils will develop their practical and analytical skills during experimental work. Chemistry is essential for many university courses and shows the student to have many of the key skills necessary for higher education.

Examination Board OCR

Specification Number A-level H432

Sixth Form > Our Pathways

Chemistry

The course will allow students to develop an understanding in physical, organic and inorganic branches of Chemistry.As well as theoretical ideas, pupils will develop their practical and analytical skills during experimental work. Chemistry is essential for many university courses and shows the student to have many of the key skills necessary for higher education.

Examination Board OCR

Specification Number H432

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Wood Green Academy is one of Sandwell’s longest-established and highest-achieving Sixth Form Centres. 

Course Overview

The course will allow students to develop an understanding in physical, organic and inorganic branches of Chemistry. As well as theoretical ideas, pupils will develop their practical and analytical skills during experimental work. Chemistry is essential for many university courses and shows the student to have many of the key skills necessary for higher education.

 
Module 1 
Development of practical skills in Chemistry. 

Skills of 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
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Alcohols and haloalkanes
  • Organic synthesis
 
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
  • Analytical techniques (IR, MS)
 
Module 6
Organic Chemistry and analysis 
  • Aromatic compounds
  • Carbonyl compounds
  • Carboxylic acids and esters
  • Polymers
  • Organic synthesis
  • Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR) 
 
Course Leader of Chemistry

Miss Thomas

Entry Requirements

Sixth Form Entry Criteria: 

A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature. 

 
Special Entry Requirements:
  • GCSE Maths 6+

GCSE Science 6 6+

OR Chemistry 6+

 

Students must be prepared to work long hours outside lesson time to regularly review the topics covered.

Assessment Information

Assessment Topic Area Duration Marks
Paper 1 Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry 2 hour 15 mins 100
Paper 2 Synthesis and analytical techniques 2 hour 15 mins 100
Paper 3 Unified Chemistry 1 hour 30 mins 70
Practical Pass / Fail

Progression Route

This subject opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the Science world. It is an essential subject for medicine, veterinary and the pharmaceutical industry.

How do I prepare? 

Recommended Reads
Periodic Tales: The Curious Lives of ElementsHugh Aldersey Williams
The Science of Everyday Life: Why Teapots Dribble, Toast Burns and Light Bulbs ShineMarty Jopson
Calculations in AS/A Level ChemistryJim Clark
Chemical StorylinesSalters' Advanced Chemistry
Useful Websites
Chem ReviseExplore Website
Tom RedExplore Website
Physics & Maths TutorExplore Website
Download Wider Reading List for Chemistry

    Course Leader of Chemistry

    Miss Thomas

    Sarah.thomas@woodgreenacademy.co.uk

    Wood Green Academy is an 11-19 over-subscribed National Support School specialising in Sport, Maths and Computing.

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