Page 27 - Sixth Form prospectus 2020

COURSE
CHEMISTRY
TITLE

● Grade 6 or above in GCSE chemistry (separate science) or
grades 6-6 or above in combined science: trilogy and
SPECIFIC ENTRY
● Grade 6 or above in GCSE mathematics
REQUIREMENTS Students will need to successfully complete a bridging unit in

chemistry over summer.
Chemistry is a very interesting and hugely rewarding course which opens many
doors to students in the future. Our students thoroughly enjoy the challenges
posed by the course but success requires determination and a strong work
ethic from the outset. Students learn how substances form, behave and
interact; start to explain why reactions occur in the way they do, and consider
how we can manipulate these to create new substances.
The main aims of the chemistry course are to:
● promote enthusiasm for chemistry
● develop advanced practical and analytical skills
● ensure students can operate effectively and safely in a laboratory
● appreciate how and where chemistry is used beyond the laboratory and
to raise the profile of potential careers
CONTENT OF ● allow students to discover how the different areas of chemistry support

COURSE each other
● create knowledgeable, well rounded scientists of the future.
Year 12 topics:
There is a 20% higher tier maths component in Year 12. This is well supported
by A level mathematics or core mathematics; however, neither is essential.
Topics include: atomic structure, quantitative chemistry, bonding and
periodicity, organic chemistry, energetics, kinetics and equilibria, reactions of
elements.
Year 13 topics:
The maths component is built upon during Year 13 in: further kinetics and
equilibria, acids and bases, carbonyl and aromatic chemistry, polymers, DNA,
structure determination, thermodynamics, periodicity, electrochemistry,
transition metals and inorganic reactions.
The chemistry course is assessed through linear assessment with students
taking all their external exams at the end of Year 13. The A level will have an
EXAMINATIONS accompanying teacher recommendation of ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ for practical
competence based on prescribed core practical activities.
AND ASSESSMENTS Paper 1 (2hrs): physical and inorganic chemistry and practical skills

Paper 2 (2hrs): physical and organic chemistry and practical skills
Paper 3 (2hrs): any content, any practical skills
Chemistry is fundamental for those choosing to pursue a career in chemistry,
SKILLS, LINKS AND chemical engineering, pharmacy, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine

PROGRESSION to name but a few. It is also of direct relevance to careers in other medically
related areas, and courses such as forensic and environmental science.

Head of Chemistry: Mr P Smithson
CONTACT
petersmithson@keswick.cumbria.sch.uk