St Bede's College

CHEMISTRY in the Sixth Form

The department offers the AQA As level and A level.
Chemistry is a popular choice at St. Bede’s. The course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills in GCSE.  Success at A level requires a good foundation – a good pass in Separate Science Chemistry or Additional Science is required.

Why choose Chemistry?

We are living in a world that is constantly facing change – pollution problems, disposal of waste, climate change, overcoming disease, dangers of food and problems of producing enough food.  Every day there are many issues like these in the news. Chemists have the knowledge to solve many of these problems.

You hope to pass your driving test in the not too distant future, but have you stopped to consider the impact of your first car on the environment?  Good job the chemical engineering community has! When your children drive they are not likely to use petrol as fuel. Your generation has the potential to develop alternative forms of power.

Too often we hear about people suffering with cancer.  What is your view on the use of nanotechnology to target cancer cells? How is this done? Your generation will discover many different methods for treating cancer!

Chemistry is everywhere!

Aims of the course

• Develop knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry, and skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations;
• Develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment;
• Be aware of how advances in information technology and instrumentation are used in chemistry;
• Appreciate the contributions of chemistry to society and the responsible use of scientific knowledge and evidences;
• Sustain and develop enjoyment and interest in chemistry;
• Bring together knowledge of ways in which different areas of chemistry relate to each other.

AS Specification at a glance

Unit 1 Foundation Chemistry – Atomic structure, Bonding, Periodicity, calculating the amount of substance, Alkanes from crude oil.

Unit 2 Chemistry in Action - Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibria, Redox, Group 2 and Group 7, Metal extraction, Haloalkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Analytical Technique

Unit 3 Investigative and Practical Skills – internal assessment 20% of the AS exam –             Teacher assessment – practical skills will be assessed throughout the year (PSA). Pupils will complete an investigative assignment (ISA).

A level

Unit 4 Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry

Unit 5 Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry

Unit 6 as Unit 3 but building on the Chemistry content of unit 4 and 5

How will I be assessed?

AS level
Unit 1 – one written paper 1 hour 15 minutes
Unit 2 – one written paper 1 hour 45 minutes

A level
Unit 4 and 5 one written paper for each unit. Duration 1 hour 45 minutes each.

How can we help you achieve the grade?

The department is keen to monitor progress and address areas of weakness. We have regular tests and an open door policy. Extra help is offered when required.

Please feel free to ask your Chemistry teacher or me about any aspect of the subject.

For further information, please contact Mrs Sandra Pike, Head of Chemistry.