Type: GCE A Level
Board: OCR
Contact: Mr J Biddiscombe
Chemistry is relevant to many sectors of industry because it is used in the development and manufacture of all products used, especially new technology. It is a highly regarded A Level subject that is well recognised by universities and employers and can provide diverse career opportunities, including Medicine, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Petrochemical or Pharmaceutical industries, Law and Accounting. Teaching and learning combines theoretical and practical approaches and develops many important skills including problem solving, communication, data handling and analysis, teamwork and risk management.
Entry requirements and skills needed: Grade 6-6 in Combined Science or Grade 6 in Chemistry, Grade 6 in Maths. About half of the topics are mathematical, so you need to be able to handle decimals, graphs, equations and formulae. If you are taking Foundation Science, please speak to your Chemistry teacher.
Assessment: We follow the OCR A Level Chemistry A specification (H432). In addition to studying theoretical aspects, students complete 12 required practical activities to demonstrate practical competence.
The A Level is assessed by three external written examinations. The question papers include short and extended answer questions as well as multiple choice questions.
The three examination papers cover periodic table elements and physical chemistry, synthesis and analytical techniques and unified chemistry.
Progression: Chemistry combines naturally with Physics, Biology and Maths, but also with a wide range of other subjects. Degrees are now offered around the country which couple chemistry with Economics, Computing, Languages, Environmental Science and Business Management among others. Past students have gone into a wide range of fields, including Electrical Engineering, Pharmacology, Medicine, Forensic Science and Marine Biology (in California!).
The study of Chemistry informs, stimulates and challenges students of all abilities and provides them with opportunities to improve skills, both mental and practical, which are useful not just in their academic careers but also in everyday life. Opportunities in the chemical industry are excellent. Awareness of the influence of chemical reactions on the quality of human life and the global environment increases year by year. The world needs more and more decisions to be made by people who understand chemistry.
