Why choose Chemistry?

Are you open-minded, imaginative, argumentative, methodical, logical and determined?

Do you wonder about the world, how it works and how mankind is changing it?

If so, you will probably be interested in A Level Chemistry at Hinchingbrooke.

It is a rewarding but demanding course, which sets the subject within a relevant and modern-day framework, without sacrificing intellectual rigour. It builds on the higher concepts learnt at GCSE and appeals to students who like to ask the questions ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘what’ and are keen to find out the answers.

As far as employment prospects are concerned, Chemistry is a ‘heavyweight’ subject, essential for many scientific careers and highly regarded for non- vocational jobs. It has obvious relevance for medicine and veterinary science, as well as jobs in businesses involved in drugs and medicine manufacture, agriculture, brewing, food, biotechnology and forensic science – to name just a few.

Any student qualified in chemistry will automatically be regarded as someone who is numerate, well organised, self-motivated and intellectually adept – useful qualities to bring to any job.

Courses offered & minimum entry requirements:

AQA Specification 5421/ 6421. Click here for the AQA website.

AS Chemistry - BB in Double Science and a C in Maths.

A2 Chemistry - E in AS Chemistry.

Brief Outline of the course:

Nuffield Chemistry stresses the importance of practical work, which is used to stimulate interest in and understanding of the theoretical basis of the course. Practical activities range from simple test tube experiments to extended investigational work using sophisticated apparatus. Although the course is split into a number of units, common themes run throughout, with later units dependent on knowledge learnt from earlier ones.

AS in year 12

Within the AS level, you will have the opportunity to investigate the reactions of alcohols and how they can be used, delve further into the secrets of the Periodic Table and appreciate the importance of energy in chemical reactions and finally, understand exactly how bonding works between molecules.

Assessment of this course is 70% written and 30% practical.

A2 in year 13

The second year course looks at how far and how fast chemical reactions go, along with a much larger range of exotic carbon-based chemicals like benzene, phenol and the very building blocks of life itself. You will learn how to build pathways to turn naturally occurring chemicals into chemicals with exciting new properties. The year is rounded off with a ‘Special Topic’, usually in Biochemistry and an extended investigation.

Assessment of this course is 77.5% written and 22.5% practical.

Work load:

As a rule of thumb, students are expected to spend as much time outside the lab studying Chemistry as they spend in it, ie 4.5hrs approx.

Some of this time will be directed study. This would include end of topic questions, calculations, graph drawing and advance preparation for lessons.

However, it is essential that students realise that they must develop good study skills, to enable them to work effectively and independently of the teacher. This will include background reading, revision notes and research to supplement time spent in class.

To aid this development we strongly recommend that all students subscribe to the ‘Chemistry Review’ magazine, which is full of interesting articles, exam hints and practical tips, specifically aimed at A Level students. Although we provide students with the basic course, book students will need to buy at least one other text book to refer to.

For more information contact: 

Mr Ward

Tel No. 01480 375700 extn 5771