Abilities required
We expect students to have gained a good GCSE grade, either in separate sciences or in dual award; with anything less pupils are likely to struggle right from the start.
The Course
The Edexcel course is followed to AS and A-level. The course aims to stimulate and sustain students' interest in, and enjoyment of, Chemistry, and to show the interrelationship between the subject and its applications in society. In addition we aim to develop intellectual and practical skills which will lay the foundation for further study and be of value in future life.
The AS course, which is studied in the Lower Sixth, consists of three units:
- Unit 1: Structure, bonding and main group chemistry
- Unit 2: Introductory organic chemistry, energetics, kinetics and equilibrium
- Unit 3: Laboratory chemistry I
The units are further subdivided into topics, each covering approximately two weeks of teaching time. Each topic consists of lecture/demonstrations and relevant practicals. Written work is completed weekly, and after it has been marked any difficulties are discussed in tutorial groups. Each topic ends with a test composed of questions from past AS-level papers. The course is completed in a little over two terms, allowing plenty of time for a comprehensive revision programme. The AS-level assessment consists of written papers, lasting one hour, for units 1 and 2, and a one hour written paper plus continuous assessment of practical work for unit 3.
The three A2 units studied in the Upper Sixth are:
- Unit 4: Periodicity, quantitative equilibria and functional group chemistry
- Unit 5: Transition metals, qualitative kinetics & applied organic chemistry
- Unit 6: Laboratory chemistry II
The style and organisation of the A2 teaching is similar to that used at AS-level. Again, the teaching of the units is completed in good time and a comprehensive revision programme is followed prior to the final examinations. The A2 assessment consists of one ninety minute paper for each of the 3 units, plus internal assessment of practical skills for unit 6. The A2 papers contain a synoptic component, which assumes knowledge of all the units in AS and A2.
The Department
The Department occupies purpose built accommodation containing three laboratories and three lecture rooms. We use a wide variety of teaching aids including data-logging apparatus, computer software, video tapes and molecular models. Each lecture theatre is equipped with equipment to integrate IT fully into classroom teaching. Students are expected to purchase the text books relevant to the course. Supplementary texts are available in the departmental library in which pupils are able to use the department’s computer software and video tapes.
Oxbridge
Potential Oxbridge candidates receive extra tuition from the second term onwards. The department has an excellent record in preparing candidates for Oxbridge entrance.