OCR

A Level Chemistry

Welcome to the Year 12 Chemistry

A level induction

•First of all, I would like to say congratulations

to your son/daughter for achieving the good

grades that enable them to study A level

Chemistry

•They have chosen a subject that is challenging

and rewarding and I hope they enjoy the next

two years

What will they learn?

There are 6 modules:

1. Practical skills

2. Foundations in Chemistry

3. Periodic Table and Energy

4. Core Organic Chemistry

5. Physical Chemistry and Transition elements

6. Organic Chemistry and Analysis

Modules

Module 2Foundations in ChemistryAtomic structure and bonding, quantitative chemistry (moles), formulae, equations, reactions of acids, oxidation numbers and redox reactions, structures.

Module 3Periodic Table and EnergyGroup and periodic properties, enthalpy changes and their determination, rates of reactions, reversible reactions and chemical equilibrium, consideration of energy and yield in improving sustainability

Module 4Core Organic ChemistryNomenclature and formula representation, functional groups, isomerism, organic reactions and synthesis, analytical techniques

Year 12 Modules

Module 5Physical Chemistry and Transition metalsThis builds on the concepts covered in module 3Rates of reactions, equilibria, energy cycles, electrochemical cells, redox reactions, transition elements.

Module 6Organic Chemistry and AnalysisThis builds on the concepts covered in module 4Other groups of organic compounds and their reactions, pharmaceuticals, analysis.

Year 13 Modules

Assessment – all exams are at the end of the two year

courseA level Paper 1

Periodic table,

physical chemistry

A level Paper 2

Synthesis and

analytical

techniques

A level Paper 3

Unified

chemistry

Marks Length 100 marks

(2hr 15 mins)

100

(2hr 15 mins)

70

(1hr 30 mins)

Multiple choice 15 marks 15 marks

Structured

questions

Yes Yes Yes

Extended

response

Yes Yes Yes

Practical

questions

Yes Yes Yes

Specification

coverage

1,2,3,5 1,2,4,6 1,2,3,4,5,6

20% of the marks available within written examinations will be for the assessment of mathematics (in the context of chemistry).

Mathematical Skills

You will develop and practice a wide range of practical skills throughout the course as preparation for the Practical Endorsement, as well as for the written examinations.

To achieve a Practical Endorsement you will be expected through a range of experiments to display your competency in: Following procedures Applying an investigative approach when using instruments and equipment Working safely Making and recording observations Researching, referencing and reporting.

You will record all aspects of your practical endorsement work in a lab book.

Practical Skills Assessed in the Practical Endorsement

Why is Chemistry a good

subject to take?

A level Chemistry studies the material world, and through

chemistry we can describe and explain questions such as:

"what happens when sugar dissolves in tea?"; "why is mercury

a liquid at room temperature?"; "how do we make plastics?";

"what can we do about global warming?"; "how and why will I

be affected if oil runs out?".

From baking a cake to recharging a mobile phone, chemistry

is involved in everything we do; and our lives are inextricably

influenced by many aspects of chemistry. Chemistry will

continue to be at the forefront of responding the needs of

society; with chemists central to making advances in

designing new materials, efficient energy use, drug

development, and technology, to name but a few.

What transferable skills are gained through studying A Level Chemistry

• develop research and problem solving skills

•collate and analyse data

• write up scientific reports

• use logical thought processes

• applied prior knowledge to solve problems

•use teamwork and communication skills

•attention to detail when conducting experiments and observations as well as gaining scientific knowledge of the subject.

Chemistry opens up a range of possibilities for further study and careers associated with the subject:

chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, forensic science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, neuroscience, veterinary science, nursing, paramedic science, law and many more

Careers

How to succeed

Is interested in chemistry and is enthusiastic

Is committed to working hard

Reviews classwork after the lesson

Reads over notes before the next lesson

Has excellent attendance and punctuality

Homework completed with maximum effort

Has an organised folder

Reviews GCSE work

Takes responsibility for their own progress and is able to work independently

A good Chemistry student:

Seek help (teacher) – don’t let problems build up!

Help each other (class mate) - team learning and peer tutoring

Make use of practice exam papers

Attend some after school sessions (Mondays)

Use the ISJ (independent study journal) for super-curricular work (work beyond the classroom)

Expectations

A LEVEL CHEMISTRY

SUPER-CURRICULAR GUIDE

…read… read… read… read… read… read… read… read…

…click… click … click … click … click … click … click … click …

https://www.rsc.org/resources-tools/education-resources/

http://www.rsc.org

…visit… visit… visit… visit… visit…visit...visit...visit...

CHECK OUT LOCAL UNIVERSITIES FOR PUBLIC CHEMISTRY LECTURES

…watch… watch … watch … watch … watch … watch …

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/be-inspired/social-and-multimedia/lectures-online/https://www.ted.com/talks?topics%5B%5D=chemistry

…listen…listen…listen…listen…listen…listen…listen…listen…

‘IN OUR TIME’ ON BBC RADIO 4

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qykl/topics/Chemical_elements

http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/podcast

…compete… compete … compete … compete … compete …

https://www.rsc.org/campaigning-outreach/outreach/educators/uk-chemistry-olympiad/

Join RSC Chemistry ChemNet Read Chemistry Review

Studying Chemistry – going further

Resources needed

Textbook

CGP revision guide

Chemistry Review

Resources

What do we provide

Support

Two teachers

Weekly after school support sessions

Chemistry Intervention Group – by

invitation