CHEMISTRY A-LEVEL

CHEMISTRY

Level: A Level

Examination board: EDUCAS

Specification: A Level 7408

CURRICULUM INTENT & VISION

The science department aims to impart scientific knowledge and develop pupils to reach their incredible potential by delivering an inclusive, engaging and challenging Science curriculum. We strive to foster a spirit of enquiry, nurture our pupils’ scientific curiosity and bring relevant real-world science into the classroom with the purpose of creating practically minded problem solvers that go on to make the world a better place.

Science intent

To develop a love of learning of science and about the world around them
To provide an engaging and challenging learning environment
To promote and develop the use of the scientific method of acquiring knowledge based on evidence to create practically minded problem solvers
To foster a spirit of enquiry and nurture pupils’ scientific curiosity of the material world
To offer unique perspectives of real-world science in the classroom that deeply enriches our vision, allowing them to make more informed choices in their daily lives to go on to make the world a better place.

THE AVANTI WAY

The Avanti Way statements for Educational Excellence, Character Formation and Spiritual Insight (how we develop these within each subject).

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Teachers and students are inspired, motivated and joyful. Our high academic standards in a challenging holistic Chemistry curriculum creates a culture of intellectual curiosity. This curiosity cultivates independent, thoughtful and reflective students who are always keen to find their own answers but not afraid to ask difficult questions.

CHARACTER FORMATION

Chemists demonstrate the Avanti virtues of respect, self-discipline, courage, integrity, empathy and gratitude. The transition from knowledge to wisdom creates a joint responsibility in the future of global perspectives (through topics like atom economy, haloalkanes and organic synthesis), which facilitates transcultural proficiency. Students will make conscientious choices and promote Chemistry themselves through their student voice and leadership.

SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

Spirituality is the awakening of wisdom concerning how we affectively relate to each other and to the world. Chemistry seeks to enlighten our minds, while spirituality seeks to awaken our hearts. The link in Chemistry will come through following electrons on their path and seeing their impact on a subatomic level and replicating it with small acts in the wider world.

COURSE CONTENT

Order and timing of topics throughout KS5 for Chemistry:

Year 12 course outline

Autumn Term

Atomic structure
Amount of substance
Bonding Energetics
Kinetics Intro to organic chemistry
Alkane

Spring Term

Haloalkanes
Alkenes
Chemical equilibria
Redox
Alcohols
Periodicity
Group 2

Summer Term

Group 7
Organic analysis

Year 13 course outline

Autumn Term

Optical Isomerism
Thermodynamics
Electrochemistry
Aldehydes and ketones
Carboxylic acids
Aromatic chemistry
Transition metals Amines

Spring Term

Polymers
Amino Acids, proteins and DNA
Properties of period 3 elements and their oxides
Reactions of ions in aqueous solutions
Organic synthesis
Acids and bases
Rate equations
NMR Chromatography

Summer Term

A-Level Revision & Exams

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK

A-level Chemistry is assessed purely on exams taken at the end of Year 13. At the end of A-level, there are three, 2-hour exams. Although there is no Coursework, there are assessed practical which will give students the confidence and skills needed to investigate how things work.

Students are assessed regularly at KS5 Chemistry through a combination of formative and summative assessments. Students receive timely written and verbal feedback after each assessment which allow students to reflect and act upon the feedback and complete an improvement and/or challenge tasks to improve and make further progress in their knowledge, skills and understanding.

We will use a range of assessments:

Formal assessments at the end of each unit
PIP Assessment twice per academic year
Non-written feedback that can take the form of verbal, peer and self-assessment.

HOW PARENETS CAN HELP

Use the recommended reading links
Encourage your child to ask questions and remain curious about science
Regular conversation about science
Maintaining a positive (growth mindset) attitude
Checking in on pupils to see that they are self-motivated and revising topics they have covered earlier in the course as well as working on current topics
Encouraging exam practice using past paper questions (Uplearn, Kerboodle, Chemguide.co.uk, Seneca) · Encourage them to view Science in the media
Support them with homework and check their folders for content and presentation as this will allow them to revise effectively.

HOME LEARNING & ONLINE RESOURCE

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

RSC Olympiad
C3L6
Windsor Fellowship
Chemistry in Action
Masterclass and Webinars hosted by Universities.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Chemistry A level is seen as essential or highly desirable for intended careers such as:

Chemist, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacist, Finance, Analytical Chemist, Organic Chemist, Inorganic Chemist, Physical Chemist, Biochemist, Chemical Engineer, Pharmacologist, Toxicologist, Forensic Chemist, Environmental Chemist, Materials Scientist, Quality Control Chemist, Research Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Petrochemical Engineer, Process Development Chemist, Food Chemist, Medicinal Chemist, Polymer Chemist.