Department of Chemistry
Why choose A-level chemistry?
- It is an interesting subject requiring and developing a variety of skills
- Your chosen career needs a qualification in chemistry.
- A qualification in chemistry is highly valued and leads to a wide variety of careers. If you are undecided, more options are kept open by studying chemistry.
Why study A-level chemistry at Greenhead?
- This department has a consistent record of excellent results. The average pass rate (grades A to E) for A-level courses over the last few years is in excess of 98% with 65% obtaining grades A and B, compared to the national figures of 90% and 46% respectively.
- Our staff have high expectations of students but also care about their well-being. If you have ability then it will be reflected in your grade.
- The staff are very experienced with proven teaching skills and they are always available to help students resolve difficulties.
- Beacon Award 1997.
- Grade 1 in LSC inspections.
- This is one of the largest Chemistry departments in the country.
Chemistry courses offered at Greenhead
There is a choice of A and AS level courses. There are six units of assessment in each A level and three units of assessment in each AS level.
Course Summary
- AS level in one year covering 3 units (one of which is coursework based)
- A-level where a further 3 units are covered in a second year of study. (one of which is coursework based)
- In the OCR course, the topics covered in the AS year provide a firm foundation in basic chemical principles.
- In the A2 year, these are developed further by studying areas such as:
- polymers and proteins
- catalysts
- chemical analysis
A wide range of activities is used including laboratory practical investigations, data analysis, groupwork, analytical analysis and computer work. We have an extensive intranet/Moodle site to support your studies.
The OCR - A specification is divided into modules in which you develop a knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of Chemistry. Most lessons are teacher-led, involving class discussion, taking notes and working through questions. Practical work is used to illustrate ideas and to learn practical skills and techniques.
This specificaton will lead to any career which requires A-level chemistry.
Entry requirements
To study chemistry at Greenhead you need five grade C's or above. This must include mathematics, dual science or chemistry at the higher tier of study.
What can I do with A-level chemistry?
Where do Chemists End Up Working?
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Chemical Industry
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What Do Chemists Do in the Chemical Industry?
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 |
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Away From the Bench .... But Not From Chemistry
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What Type of Degree?
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'Chemistry with ..... Degrees'
(usually 2 parts Chemistry, 1 part 'other') |
How Long?
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Careers Away From Chemistry
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A-Levels For University Courses
Where there is no specific A-level requirement for a university course, then chemistry is a very good choice as a numerate central science. Many students who have gone on to study in a variety of areas such as music, law, architecture, accountancy, languages have included chemistry in their advanced studies.
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
University Subjects |
Possible A-Level Subjects |
| Chemical Sciences Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Colour Chemistry, Chemical Physics |
CHEMISTRYisESSENTIAL |
| Medicine and Dentistry | |
| Pharmacy | |
| Veterinary Science | |
| Biological Sciences Agriculture, Microbiology, Botany, Soil Science, Horticulture, Zoology, Marine Biology |
AS CHEMISTRY is essential |
| Medical Sciences Bacteriology, Nursing, Environmental Health, Nutrition, Genetics, Physiology |
CHEMISTRY is strongly recommended |
| Material Sciences Material and Polymer Science, Technology, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering |
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| Engineering Aeronautical, Electronics, Agricultural, Instrumental, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining |
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| Environmental Studies Archaeology, Geography, Oceanography, Ecology, Safety & Health, Forestry, Surveying |
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| Geological Sciences Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Geophysics, Mining |
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| Accountancy/Business |
A numerate subject such as CHEMISTRY is useful |
| Architecture |
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| Law |
About the department
The department of Chemistry consists of 12 teachers assisted by 4 lab technicians and there are over 750 students over both year groups. There are four specialist laboratories. It is one of three very successful science departments in the college, with results well above the national average.
What past students think about chemistry
| The OCR - A Students |
| "I chose this because it followed on more directly from my GCSE course" |
| "Class notes are geared to what is required for the exam" |
| "I prefer to learn about the basic concepts first and then look at the applications" |
| "Most of the exam questions are fairly predictable and not too difficult if you have revised thoroughly. There are just a few bits at the end which are hard and challenging" |
| "The practical assessments are fairly straight forward and relate well to the theory" |
| "In this course you can see how the different parts of the subject fit together |
| "You get lots of practice at doing similar types of questions so that you really get to understand the work" |
| "My brother studied OCR. He liked it" |
| "I feel safer with facts" |
| "It was my favourite subject" |
