Chemistry is the central science and impacts on all aspects of our lives. An understanding of Chemistry is necessary to all other sciences from astronomy to zoology. All of the materials used by engineers and technologists are made by chemical reactions and we all experience chemical reactions continuously, whether it be breathing or baking a cake, driving a car or listening to a battery driven MP3 player. Chemistry is concerned with all aspects of molecules, their physical and chemical properties, their composition and structure, their synthesis and use in the 21st century.
Chemistry is an essential A-level subject for those planning to apply for Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Pharmacy. However it is a subject that can be combined not only with Mathematics and other Science subjects, but also with many from the Arts and Humanities. It is always highly regarded by universities and employers alike.
Chemistry Courses
Chemistry is one of the most popular subjects in the college and the department is thriving, with over 100 students studying the subject at A level.
The department offers a variety of courses, including:
- a standard two-year A level
- a one year intensive A level
- an upper sixth transfer, for those who wish to study A level at Brampton having studied AS elsewhere
- GCSE (one year)
Students are studying the OCR GCE Chemistry A specification. The content is split into six teaching modules:
- Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Module 2 – Foundations chemistry
- Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
- Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
- Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
- Module 6 – Organic chemistry
The specification has been designed to be co-teachable with the stand alone AS Level in Chemistry A qualification at the end of the first year. The first four modules comprise the AS Level in Chemistry A course and students studying the A Level continue with the content of modules 5 and 6.
There are 3 written examination papers at the end of the two year course covering all content from Year 1 and 2.
| Paper 1 | Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry | 100 marks 37% of total A level |
2 hours 15 minutes |
| Paper 2 | Synthesis and analytical techniques | 100 marks 37% of total A level |
2 hours 15 minutes |
| Paper 3 | Unified chemistry | 70 marks 26% of total A level |
1 hour 30 minutes |
The internally assessed Practical Endorsement skills also form part of the full A level. Students are keeping a log book that demonstrates how they have developed their skills. The written papers will be including questions on practical work.
Chemistry Departmental Features
The Chemistry Department is housed in its own two fully equipped laboratories with an extensive range of equipment close at hand. Each teaching group is timetabled to have at least two sessions in the laboratory every week.
Teaching is provided by a highly experienced and committed team of teachers. The department offers weekly tutorials and provides detailed feedback from regular tests and homework.
A level Results
2017-21 |
A*/A |
A*-B |
| 51% | 84% |
