A-Level Chemistry

Examination Board: OCR

Content is split into six teaching modules and a practical skills unit which is ongoing throughout the course.

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis

Practical skills are embedded throughout all the content of this specification. Learners will be required to develop a range of practical skills throughout the course in preparation for the written examinations, in the broad areas of implementation, analysis and evaluation skills.

The course is divided into two sections:

Year 1 - Calculations and basic organic chemistry/fundamental physical chemistry and periodic table
Year 2 – Further organic chemistry and instrumental analysis/kinetics and enthalpy and transition metals

How this course is assessed

Component	What is assessed	Percentage of A2	Assessment method
01 Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry	Content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5	37% of A level	100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes Written paper
02 Synthesis and analytical techniques	Content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6	37% of A level	100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes Written paper
03 Unified Chemistry	Content from all modules (1 to 6)	26% of A level	70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes Written paper
04 Practical endorsement	Practical skills	Reported separately	Internal assessment

Essential Information

Lab coats and appropriate footwear are essential for all practical work
A scientific calculator will be required
Chemistry leads to many future courses/degree subjects, for example, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Engineering and Natural Sciences

How can parents help?

Provide opportunities for students to undertake work experience in their area of interest e.g. encourage them to explore local industries
Suggest volunteering in relevant fields of study e.g. medics - with organisations offering care locally
Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry, subscription to New Scientist and/or Chemistry Review
Any opportunities to visit the Royal Institution in London or science museums in London or further afield

Inspiring Science at Beaconsfield High School

As part of our commitment to inspire greater achievement in science and to encourage more of our students to consider careers in STEM fields, the school has recently built three new state-of-the-art science laboratories. One of these is a dedicated A level teaching space, which will be used for some of our A level Chemistry lessons.