Sixth Form: Chemistry 

The Cake Periodic Table

Chemistry A level has a long association with cake, it started about 15 years ago when ‘feedback to mock exams’ included cake baked by a member of staff. About 5 years ago the Year 13 students wanted to make a Periodic Table out of cakes for their final lesson, it has since become a tradition. Every year one student organises the ‘cake’ by cutting up a copy of the Periodic Table and handing out ‘elements’ to each student; the cakes are then baked, decorated and brought into school at the specified time – result a Periodic Table cake. The final result relies on every student playing their part ( as yet no-one has forgotten)to ensure the Table is complete. The cake is then consumed by staff and students – a delightful and ‘satisfying’ finish to A level Chemistry.

Subject Overview

Why Study AS or A2 Chemistry?

A level Chemistry builds on the knowledge and understanding developed at GCSE level. The course aims to stimulate interest in and enjoyment of chemistry, to foster logical critical thinking and demonstrate the wider application of chemical knowledge. It integrates theory and experimental work, developing investigative and manipulative skills. Students are encouraged to develop their scientific communication through research, discussion and written work. Students who study chemistry at A level have various career opportunities open to them. These include research chemistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, environmental science, medicine, chemical engineering, radiography and careers in the finance sector.

Syllabuses (Course Outline and Structure)

OCR Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Chemistry A H034 (50% of entire A level)

  • Unit 1: F321 Atoms, Bonds & Groups (30% of AS course). This unit is the foundation unit which develops theories which subsequent units build upon. Content includes: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactions and the Periodic Table.
  • Unit 2: F322 Chains Energy & Resources (50% of  AS course). This unit develops an understanding of Organic Chemistry including Hydrocarbons, Alcohols and Halogenoalkanes. The Physical Chemistry concepts of Rate of Reaction and Energy changes associated with chemical reactions are also covered.
  • Unit 3: F323 Practical Skills 1  (20% of AS course)

OCR Advanced GCE in Chemistry A H434 (50% of entire A level)

The Advanced GCE is made up of three units at AS and three further units at A2. Two of the A2 units are externally assessed and the third unit F326 Practical Skills is internally assessed.

  • Unit 4: F324 Rings, Polymers & Analysis (30% of A2 course). This unit extends the Organic Chemistry concepts covered at AS level to include Aromatic Compounds, Carboxylic Acids and Amines. Types of polymerisation are studied as well as further analytical techniques
  • Unit 5: F325 Equilibria, Energetics & Elements (50% A2 course). This unit utilises a deeper mathematical approach to extend the Physical Chemistry concepts covered in Year 12. Electrode Potentials are studied to assess the feasibilities of reactions. Transition Elements are also studied
  • Unit 6: F326 Practical Skills 2  (20% of the A2 course)

Entry Requirements

For entry on to the course you should achieve Grade B in Triple Award GCSE  Science (Chemistry) or Grades BB in GCSE  Double Award Science—although A or A* grades will make the subject more easily accessible to you. In addition, at least Grade B in GCSE Mathematics is required.

Historically, students who achieve at the highest level are well motivated towards independent study.

Activities

The practical components of the AS and A2 courses are delivered during one lesson per fortnight in a dedicated Laboratory Session. During these sessions skills will be introduced, practised and formally assessed. Marks achieved in these Practical Skills Assessments are subject to external moderation by the OCR examination board and contribute 20% of both the AS and A2 courses.

During Year 13 a workshop covering the application of spectroscopy in chemical analysis is delivered in school by the University of Leicester.

Expected Costs

Textbooks are provided for both the AS and A2 courses. Laboratory coats and safety glasses are supplied. Students may wish to purchase their own revision books from a commercial publisher.

Complementary Subject Combinations

Chemistry links well with Biology, physics and Mathematics. Historically a significant proportion of students successfully studied chemistry alongside a variety of different A levels to achieve a broad balanced curriculum.

Subject Resources

Syllabus

Past Papers

Questions from past papers are used extensively during the delivery of the course and are adapted to augment homework tasks. In addition to this, pupils will complete whole past papers towards the end of the teaching for each unit, in order to prepare pupils for the overall structure of each paper, and the time restrictions associated with them.  We fully encourage all pupils to work independently, and the following URL can be followed to locate all of the past papers for the course except the most recent paper, and their mark schemes.

Other links