Chemistry is the most exciting of the Sciences, the one which is central to the understanding of all the other branches. At Spalding High School Chemistry is a popular subject with 20-35 pupils taking it at A level. The OCR specification is studied and provides an excellent grounding for those who want to study Chemistry at University and other chemistry and biological related careers. Over recent years we have had pupils go onto undergraduate and to further postgraduate study at Cambridge University. In the department we aim to encourage and foster the fascination for the subject by carrying out a wide range of different activities including practical work. It is a subject that is not only interesting but teaches a wide variety of transferrable skills including problem solving, mathematical skills, communication and working individually and collaboratively.
Dr I Wardell was nominated for National Teaching Awards in 2008-2009 (A2 Chemistry), 2009-2010 (GCSE Chemistry) and 2010-2011 (AS Chemistry).
The A level course is taught by Dr I Wardell (Head of Department), Mr F Murphy and Miss V.White
The course at A level consists of 6 modules as shown below. During the first year modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 are studied. During the second year module 1 continues with modules 5 and 6.
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A level Content Overview |
Assessment Overview |
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Content is split into six teaching modules: Module 1 - Development of practical skills in chemistry Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry Module 3 – Periodic table and energy Module 4 – Core organic chemistry Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis
Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). |
Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01) 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper |
37% of total A level |
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Synthesis and analytical techniques (02) 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper |
37% of total A level |
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Unified chemistry (03) 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper |
26% of total A level |
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Practical endorsement in chemistry (04)* (non exam assessment) |
Reported separately - studnets awarded a pass or fail |
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During the course practical skills will be assessed in Core Practicals, which will be assessed by the chemistry teaching staff. At the end of the course the students will be awarded a pass or a fail with regards to these practical skills. These skills will be taught, as normal through practical work and this replaces all coursework. The development of these practical skills is a natural progression through the course but their assessment will start during the first year due to time constraints. All written examinations will take place at the end of the course as shown in the table.