Lady Lumley's School

Chemistry

Why choose Chemistry A/AS Level?

"Chemists are a strange class of mortals, impelled by an almost maniacal impulse to seek their pleasures amongst smoke and vapour, soot and flames, poisons and poverty, yet amongst all these evils I seem to live so sweetly that I would rather die than change places with the King of Persia” (Johann Joachim Becher)

If you enjoyed chemistry at GCSE, you’ll love this A/AS level course. In two years that will fly by you’ll get a real in-depth knowledge of this fascinating subject, preparing you for further education or giving you the credentials to enhance your job options straight away. Chemists have greatly improved the quality of life for the majority of people. Our A Level course is underpinned by the practical skills that we call ‘How Science Works’. You also find out how chemists are real innovators, designing solutions to the problems that affect modern life.

Your modules

Post 16 Chemistry is divided into six units:

Unit 1 – Foundation Chemistry
Unit 2 – Chemistry in Action
Unit 3 – Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Chemistry
Unit 4 – kinetics, Equilibria & Organic Chemistry
Unit 5 – Energetic, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry
Unit 6 - Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Chemistry

On your marks...

Year 12	Raw Score Max Mark	UMS	Examination
Unit 1	70	100	1.25hr Exam
Unit 2	100	140	1.75hr Exam
Unit 3	50	60	Coursework
Year 13
Unit 4	100	120	1.75hr Exam
Unit 5	100	120	1.75hr Exam
Unit 6	50	60	Coursework

To put this in perspective…

Year 12 (AS Level)	UMS	Grade
	240	A
	210	B
	180	C
	150	D
	120	E
Year 13 (A Level)	UMS	Grade
	480	A
	420	B
	360	C
	300	D
	240	E

You can also achieve an A* in your A Level if you achieve an A overall and you average 90% in your A2 modules.

We follow the AQA (www.aqa.org.uk) scheme of learning. Click on the following link to access more information on the scheme of learning and support materials:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/qualifications/a-level/science/chemistry/chemistry-key-materials

A great website to look at is http://www.s-cool.co.uk/alevel/chemistry.html. This is more of a revision site but contains lots of theory, questions and worked answers. Questions are either in the format of exam style questions or multiple choice questions. It is important to note that the exam style questions are not necessarily from this program of study but are very helpful nonetheless.

The site also contains hints and tips about passing your exams and career advice.

Who takes this course?

We advise that anyone who achieves a minimum of a grade C in Double Award Science and Mathematics.

What skills will I learn?

The Chemistry A Level course helps students develop a number of skills:

How to collect, analyse and evaluate data
How to logically solve a range a problems
How to investigate theories and conduct research into a range of different concepts
How to present scientific information for a range of audiences
How to work as a team to achieve results

What could this lead to in the future?

Chemistry is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as Medicine, Nursing, Biochemistry, Dentistry or Forensic Science. It will also equip you for a career in industry, for example in the Petrochemical or Pharmaceutical industries. Chemistry is the solid platform upon which careers are built.

How will this fit into my life?

Students who take Chemistry often also study from a wide range of subjects, including Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Physics, Applied Science, Health & Social Care, Critical Thinking and Environmental Studies.

What do I do now?

Talk to your Science teacher and get some advice as to whether the course could be right for you. Making an appointment to see your school careers advisor is also a good idea.

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Page last modified on: 04/23/12 09:34:18

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