Why choose A-Level Chemistry?

Chemistry is seen as the central science that has links in Biology, Physics, Geography and Maths. It is a prerequisite for many university courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences, Earth Sciences as well as all Chemistry and Biochemistry courses.

The course develops skills of analysis, evaluation and in addition improves technical skills. All employees and further education establishments value these strengths.

The course we follow is the Salters Chemistry specification, which was developed by York University in conjunction with Industry. The course imbeds the principles of chemistry by extensive practical work and by following different story lines that cover most aspects of the chemical industry.

Course Outline

AS level Chemistry consists of 2 exams, one in January (15%) and one in June (20%), as well as an assessed practical and open Book paper (15%). The story lines in Year 1 include The Chemistry of Life, Fuels, Polymers, Metals and The Atmosphere.

A2 builds on the work covered in AS Chemistry and the examinations follow a similar format. The units include Medicinal Chemistry, The Steel Industry, The Chemistry of Colour and the Agrochemical Industry. There is an extensive piece of independently researched practical work that counts towards 15% of the final mark. Each successive exam includes a greater amount of synoptic assessment, which ensures that fundamental skills are learnt.

Resources and facilities

Each student is provided with 2 textbooks. One is the classic textbook, which contains all the fundamental chemistry facts, and the other is the story lines book, which imbeds chemical knowledge into everyday experiences, industries and the world around us. The course is supported by a dedicated website: www.york.ac.uk/org/seg/salters/chemistry

Careers and progression

Many of our students have secured successful university places including Medicine, Forensic Chemistry as well as Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering courses. The Universities they have attended cover the length and breadth of Britain – from St Andrews and York in the north to Bath and Southampton in the south.

Entry requirements

Our success is due to the structure of the course, the dedicated revision sessions and the challenging but exciting practicals, which are delivered with support from experienced teachers and technicians. Students feel secure in the knowledge they have both the information and skills needed in order to succeed prior to assessment.

Pupils must have at least a B grade in both Science and Maths GCSE in order to be accepted on the course. Pupils who have opted for the triple Science option have found the course even more accessible and this has been reflected in excellent outcomes.

Course Results

We successfully teach A Level Chemistry to all Haverhill students and produce outstanding results. Last year all 11 pupils passed and 10 out of 11 obtained C or above grades. 4 of our pupils obtained a maximum A grade and all of our students secured their preferred University place.

Enquiries

The course is run by Mrs Stalker and Mr Chamberlain who are both based at Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College and can be contacted on: pstalker@samuelward.suffolk.sch.uk