Chemistry

In general somewhere between 25 and 30 Lower Sixth form pupils take the AQA AS Chemistry course and of these very few choose not to continue the subject to A2 Level.
25 pupils sat the first examinations for the new AS course in June 2009 with outstanding results – out of these, 19 gained good A grades, with the rest (bar one) gaining B grades. 22 of these pupils have carried on to study the new A2 course and so far all have consolidated their grades with a number looking likely to gain the new A* qualification.
Over the last few years, there has been an average of seven pupils going on study Chemistry at university level, with many more going on to study related degrees such as Engineering, Biochemistry and Natural Sciences as well as Medicine and Veterinary Science. In particular those pupils applying to read Chemistry at Oxford have been particularly successful; three have received offers for 2010, two received offers for 2009 and three received offers for 2008. In the run-up to Oxbridge interviews the Chemistry Department runs mentoring sessions on a twice-weekly basis, where pupils are encouraged how to think on their feet and for themselves regarding problem-solving.
At AS Level pupils take Unit 1 in January (100 marks), Unit 2 in June (140 marks) and Unit 3 (the practical component) is taken over the course of the year (60 marks).

At A2 Level pupils take Unit 4 in January (120 marks), Unit 5 in June (120 marks) and Unit 6 (the practical component) over the course of the year (60 marks). The whole course equates to 600 marks and to gain the new A* grade pupils must gain over 90% on the aggregate of the A2 modules. Unit 4 and 5 have a huge synoptic element with material from the whole course being examined as well as the material relating to that Unit.

Unit 1 leads directly on from the IGCSE, focusing on Structure and Bonding and Mole Theory; both are studied in detail and from first principles in this module. Unit 2 looks at Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibrium and links them together to examine Industrial Chemistry. In addition the Halogens and Group II elements are studied. Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 also encompass Organic Chemistry with the Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols and Halogenoalkanes being studied. Unit 3 encompasses six practicals followed by an ISA (practical exam). In Unit 4 Organic Chemistry is looked at in much more detail with mechanisms being the main emphasis of the work. Mole Theory is also extended to a much more challenging degree with Kinetics, Equilibrium and Acid-Base calculations being linked together to look at why reactions take place. Unit 5 continues in this vein and Energetics and Redox Equilibrium calculations are studied along with the Periodic Table, in particular the Transition Metals. Both Unit 4 and 5 contain a significant synoptic element. Unit 6 is similar to Unit 3 although.the practicals involved are more challenging. Practical Chemistry, rightly is a significant part of this interesting and challenging course.