Chemistry

• Course Overview
• Assessment & Examination
• Resources
• Prior Knowledge
• Beyond The Course
• Entry Requirements

Course Overview

The OCR Salters Chemistry B course is a 'context-led' approach to chemical concepts based on contemporary issues in Chemistry. Some of the ideas that you will learn about include: the development of fuels, industrial processes and the environmental impact of obtaining and using chemicals. These ideas are fundamental in understanding the ways that society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences can contribute to the success of the economy and society. The practical endorsement aspect of the course will allow you to develop competence in the laboratory, through experimental activities that support the teaching of each topic.

Assessment & Examination

You will sit three examinations at the end of your two years of study:

Paper 1: Fundamentals of Chemistry a 2 hour 15 minute written exam contributing 41% to your final A Level grade which contains a multiple choice section and a written answer section.

Paper 2: Scientific Literacy in Chemistry a 2 hour 15 minute written exam contributing 37% to your final A Level grade which contains written answer questions and a section of questions based on a pre-release article.

Paper 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry a 1 hour 30 minute written exam contributing 22% to your final A Level grade which contains written answer questions about the experiments covered in each topic of the course.

Practical Endorsement in Chemistry

• A set of practical experiments are covered during the course;
• A pass/fail grade is achieved and is reported separately from the final A Level grade.

Resources

You will have access to resources in college, however you will require a scientific calculator as well as basic stationery.

Prior Knowledge

In addition to a solid GCSE knowledge from either Chemistry or Combined Science, a good understanding of mathematics is necessary.

Beyond The Course

A Level Chemistry is aimed at students who really enjoy Chemistry and those who possibly need it for science-based university courses, or for those that will need it in their future career. Many students go on to university to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, and other courses related to Chemistry.

Many of our students have found undertaking a program of work experience in the local chemical industry has supported their studies, particularly their laboratory based skills.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Level 6 in Chemistry or Combined Science Level 6.

Entry to Sixth Form also requires:

• GCSE Level 5 in English Language or English Literature;
• GCSE Level 5 in Maths;
• Four other GCSEs at Level 5, in addition to English and Maths.