Chemistry AS and A Level

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

We will use the message function to contact you about your application, so please keep an eye on this.

AS and A Level Chemistry will inspire students, nurture their passion for chemistry and lay the foundations for further study. It covers the three main areas of chemistry; physical, inorganic and organic.

Students should have high levels of interest, commitment and organisation: good mathematical skills: enthusiasm for practicals: enjoyment of science.

Links with other subjects

Chemistry links well with Physics and Biology, and also Mathematics and Geography to a lesser extent.

The syllabus covers the three main areas of chemistry; physical, inorganic and organic. Subjects in bold are studied at A Level.

Physical Chemistry

• Atomic structure

• Amount of substance

• Bonding

• Energetics

• Kinetics

• Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle

• Oxidation, reduction and redox equations

• Thermodynamics

• Rate Equations

• Equilibrium constant Kc for homogeneous systems

• Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells

• Acids and bases

Inorganic Chemistry

• Periodicity
• Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
• Group 7, the halogens
• Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
• Transition metals
• Reactions of ions in aqueous solution

Organic Chemistry

• Introduction to organic chemistry
• Alkanes
• Halogenoalkanes
• Alkenes
• Alcohols
• Organic analysis
• Optical isomerism
• Aldehydes and ketones
• Carboxylic acids and derivatives
• Aromatic chemistry
• Amines
• Polymers
• Amino acids, proteins and DNA
• Organic synthesis
• Nuclear magnetic resonance and spectroscopy
• Chromatography

Extension and enrichment opportunities

Medical Society

Opportunity to take part in the University of Cambridge Chemistry Olympiad

Opportunity to attend national R.S.C. competitions.

AS Level:

Paper 1 - 1 hour 30 minutes - 50% of AS

Paper 2 - 1 hour 30 minutes - 50% of AS

A Level:

Paper 1 - 2 hours - 35% of A Level

Paper 2 - 2 hours - 35% of A Level

Paper 3 - 2 hours - 30% of A Level

Specific entry requirements for Chemistry - 6-6 in Combined Science or a 6 in Chemistry and a 6 in another science, and a 6 in Maths.

Minimum entry requirement for all students: five GCSEs at grade 4 and above. This MUST include a grade 5 in English Language.

Check your Attainment 8 if you are intending to study Science and Maths

At Tapton we add another level to our entry requirements, solely for the Sciences and Maths. We have found that historically, there is a link between how a student performs in these subjects and the average point score that they received for their GCSEs. Therefore, as well as achieving the individual entry requirements for each subject, the following conditions apply:

• To study all 3 Sciences and Maths, you need an Attainment 8 of 70 (equivalent to all 7s and above)

• To study 3 Sciences or 2 Sciences and Maths, you need an Attainment 8 of 64 (equivalent to mainly 7s and some 6s)

• To study 2 Sciences or 1 Science and Maths, you need an Attainment 8 of 55 (equivalent to mainly 5s with some 6s).

There are many jobs that are directly related to chemistry: Very good observation, logical analysis, numeracy and practical skills are developed with the ability to write clear reports, all of which are desirable to future employers and institutions. Possible careers include Chemical Research, Chemical Engineering, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Teaching, Physiotherapy, Pharmacology, Physiology, Forensics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology etc.