Introduction

Why does ice float?

We in the Chemistry Department believe chemistry is the science to study. Not only a fascinating subject but an essential A level required for many different careers, from nanotechnology to medicine.

The topics studied for A Level chemistry show just how much chemistry is relevant to modern life. Whether it is learning about how a new drug is designed, or how biofuels may be one answer to the diminishing oil reserves, or even the reason why ice floats! The A level course is underpinned by recognistion of How Science Works, to show chemists as innovators, designing solutions to problems that affect modern life.

Is this the right subject for you?

Do you enjoy practical laboratory work?
Are you someone who can cope fairly easily with maths and likes problem solving?
Are you prepared to make a commitment to work hard?

A level chemistry is one of the most difficult A level subjects, but for those prepared to work hard it is a very rewarding subject that provides a pathway to many different career choices.

Chemistry at St. Mary's

• It is taught by teachers who are approachable, have a wealth of experience, and a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject.
• It opens the door to numerous University courses and careers, including: Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Environmental Science.
• We have well-equipped laboratories which we fully utilise, performing lots of practicals to consolidate course theory, as well as ensuring all students have highly developed practical skills on completion of the course.
• We have our own full time technician.
• We provide all the resources required for the course including textbooks, revision aids and Keboodle software, which enables you to access relevant resources from home. We also provide extra support sessions at lunchtime and after school for those students who feel they need a little extra help.
• We consistently achieve excellent results at A-level.

The A-level Specification (AQA)

AS

Unit 1 - Foundation Chemistry

This paper will be taken in January of the Lower Sixth and consists of:

4-6 short answer questions plus one or two longer structured questions

1hour 15 minutes

33.33% of the total AS marks

16.66% of the total A-level mark

This paper is worth 70 raw marks/100 UMS.

Unit 2 - Chemistry in Action

This paper will be taken in June of the Lower Sixth and consists of:

6-8 short answer questions plus 2 longer structured questions

1 hour 45 minutes.

46.66% of the total AS marks

23.33% of the total A-level marks

This paper is worth 70 raw marks/100 UMS.

Unit 3 - Investigative and practical skills (AS)

We choose when we wish to sit this paper. It will most likely be in March of the Lower Sixth. It consists of:

Centre-assessed (we mark it)

PSA and ISA

20% of the total AS marks

10% of the total A-level marks

 

A2

Unit 4 - Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry

This paper will be taken in January of the Upper Sixth and consists of:

6-8 short-answer questions plus 2-3 structured questions (with some synoptic elements)

1hour 30 minutes

20% of the total A-level marks

Unit 5 - Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry

This paper will be taken in June of the Upper Sixth and consists of:

6-8 short answer questions plus 2-3 structured questions (with some synoptic elements)

1 hour 45 minutes

20% of the total a-level marks

Unit 6 - Investigative and practical skills (A2)

We choose when we wish to sit this paper. It will most likely be in March of the Upper Sixth. It consists of:

Centre-assessed (we mark it)

PSA and ISA

10% of the total A-level marks

Resits - All units can be re-taken at a later date, if necessary, to improve the mark.

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