Chemistry - KS5

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Teachers of Science

  • Miss K Heeley
  • Mr M Lenton
  • Miss V J Sears
  • Miss L McMahon
  • Mr R Beaumont

Reasons to Study Chemistry

Aside from the huge range of career opportunities that studying chemistry opens up, you learn how to be objective, analytical, methodical, and in turn solve your own questions that you have about the world around you.

Curriculum Map

Our Vision for Chemistry

Students at SJB study Chemistry as it helps our understanding of the world around us. Everything we know about the universe, from how trees reproduce to what an atom is made up of, is the result of scientific research and experiment. Human progress throughout history has largely rested on advances in science. From our knowledge of gravity to cutting-edge medicines, students of Science have shaped our modern world. All of these advances can trace their origin back to individuals learning about science as students. That’s why it is in all our interests to promote Science as a subject at SJB; it ensures the next wave of progress in all of the fields that affect our daily lives.

Career Paths

Chemistry opens the doors to a huge range of degree courses and career paths including:

  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary science
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Chemical engineering
  • Forensics
  • Civil Service
  • Law (Patent and General)
  • Industrial research
  • Chemistry Teaching
  • Science Journalism

Qualification: GCE Chemistry
Exam Board: OCR
Coursework: 0%
Exam: 100%
Exam Structure:
Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry Paper – 2hr 15mins
Synthesis and analytical techniques Paper – 2hr 15mins
Unified Chemistry Paper – 1hr 30mins
Link to specification: A Level Specification Chemistry A H432

Course Overview:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry

  • Practical skills assessed in a written examination
  • Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry

  • Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations
  • Amount of substance
  • Acid–base and redox reactions
  • Electrons, bonding and structure

Module 3 – Periodic table and energy

  • The periodic table and periodicity
  • Group 2 and the halogens
  • Qualitative analysis
  • Enthalpy changes
  • Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry

  • Basic concepts
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Alcohols and haloalkanes
  • Organic synthesis
  • Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements

  • Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)
  • pH and buffers
  • Enthalpy, entropy and free energy
  • Redox and electrode potentials
  • Transition elements

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis

  • Aromatic compounds
  • Carbonyl compounds
  • Carboxylic acids and esters
  • Nitrogen compounds
  • Polymers
  • Organic synthesis
  • Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)
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