CHRISTOPHER WHITEHEAD
LANGUAGE COLLEGE AND SIXTH FORM
WELCOME TO CWLC SIXTH FORM!
NOUR ALCHAMI | SIXTH FORM STUDENT
I chose chemistry as it was one of my favourite subjects at GCSE. I’ve enjoyed it even more as an A-level subject, where I’ve done lots of practicals and learned about several interesting topics. Choosing Chemistry as an A–level subject has improved my critical thinking, analytical, and problem–solving skills.
WHY CHOOSE A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY?
As an A-level Chemistry student you will further develop the practical skills gained at GCSE.
You will also undertake topics such as: Foundations in chemistry including bonding, acid-base and redox reactions; periodic table (group 2 elements, plus halogens and transition metals) and energy including qualitative analysis; core organic chemistry; physical chemistry; advanced organic chemistry and analysis Students of A-level Chemistry generally leave the course with the ability to recognise, recall and show understanding of specific chemical facts, terminology, principals, concepts and practical ability.
The A-level Chemistry course will show students how to use information with the view of interpreting phenomena and effects of chemical principles, as well as presenting arguments and ideas in a logical, clear manner.
WHY STUDY A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY AT CWLC?
As a chemistry student, you will gain a wide range of skills through practical work integrated with theoretical study; and you will be assessed through written papers.
- Small groups should allow staff to give individual help regularly during lessons.
- Practice past paper questions and examination of associated mark schemes
- Online studying and discussing topics beyond the specification
- Highly qualified and experienced teachers
What kinds of work will you do in class and at home?
- Following instructions to carry out practical work and then writing up that work including presenting the results clearly, processing the results by drawing graphs and carrying out calculations, drawing conclusions from the results and analysing and evaluating the results.
- You will design experiments to test hypotheses and to commit to memory definitions and reaction mechanisms.
- Support will be given with more than one teacher available to explain these new concepts in a different way that may aid understanding. Small groups should allow staff to give regular individual help during lessons.
- In year 13 you will be asked to produce notes at home and bring them to lessons to either annotate them or use them to answer exam questions. This maximises the learning time during lessons. This may be introduced into year 12 also.
WHAT COULD YOU DO NEXT?
Having an A-Level in chemistry is a very desirable qualification and is highly respected in academic circles. If you are considering a career in any form of medicine including doctor or veterinarian then you will find A-Level Chemistry compulsory; however there are many subjects and careers where this is the case, as well as there being many options where an A-level chemistry qualification is desirable. Possible career and course options available to you with an A-Level Chemistry qualification include: medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, chemistry, biochemistry, food science/nutrition and forensic science. Other career options include: biological/engineering, optical management, optometry, microbiology, natural sciences, pharmacology, software engineering and physiology. Many other courses state that A-level Chemistry is desirable, such as nursing, physiotherapy, radiography, paramedic courses, law and zoology.