Chemistry GCE A Level

Chemistry GCE A Level

Qualification: AS/A2 - 2 year course

Course type: Level 3 (advanced)

Entry requirements:
4 x GCSE B grades - must include B in Chemistry or B in Additional Science and B in Mathematics.

Head of Department: Mr Harry Cooper

Course assessment:
AS Units
Unit 1 Exam 1.25 hours, 33% of total AS mark, taken in January.

Unit 2 Exam 1.75 hours, 47% of total AS mark, taken in June.

Unit 3 Centre Assessed Coursework 20% of total AS mark.

A2 Units
Unit 4 Exam 1.75 hours, 20% of total A2 mark, taken in January.

Unit 5 Exam 1.75 hours, 20% of total A2 mark, taken in June.

Unit 6 Centre Assessed Coursework 10% of total A2 mark.

What can this course offer me?
Chemistry is very popular at KGV and numbers have increased significantly over the last few years, to produce a thriving department of over 230 students. Our students always achieve results well above the national average and results over last three years have been exceptionally strong. Students are taught by well qualified and dedicated staff who have produced a bank of excellent notes, worksheets and practical booklets. The teaching team, excellent resources and hard-working students are the recipe for the continuing success of Chemistry at KGV.

What will I learn?
You will be part of a class of around 16 students, working in a well-equipped laboratory. Practical classes of 90 minutes each week will form an itegral part of your course and will link to the AQA specification. Theory lessons will use interactive notes where you will have the opportunity to develop problem solving skills and apply your knowledge to current scientific issues.

A support class is also available on a weekly basis for students who miss work though absence or need extra help because they are finding the work difficult.

What Makes a good Chemistry student?

• Good organisational skills
• The ability toaquire practical skills
• To have an enquiring analytical mind

Which other courses link well with this subject?
Chemistry can be combined with any other subject. It combines particularly well with other science related subjects, most notably Biology. Chemistry does not need to be taken with A level Mathematics but a good knowledge at GCSE (grade B or above) is essential.

Future Opportunities
A Chemistry qualification is excellent training for almost any occupation. It is considered useful for professions such as Law and Accounting as it provides a rigorous, logical, problem solving skills base. It is essential for entry into Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry. It is also the most important subject for many other Chemistry related courses, such as Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy.

Is there anything else I need to know?
During the course you will have the opportunity to attend revision courses at various venues throughout the country.

The department are affliated with ChemNet, part of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Through ChemNet, you can attend exciting events and receive regular information about latest developments.