Department of Chemistry
- Why choose A-level Chemistry?
- Why study Chemistry at Greenhead?
- Chemistry courses offered at Greenhead
- What's the difference between OCR-A and Salters?
- Entry requirements
- What can I do with A-level Chemistry?
- About the department
- What past students think
- Examination results
- Student destinations
- Open evening leaflet
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 Summaries
There is a choice of two specifications which can be taken to:
- 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)
Both specifications include internally assessed practical work and are of the same standard differing mainly in their approach to the subject.
| OCR - A | OCR B (Salters) |
| In the OCR course, the topics covered in the AS year provide a firm foundation in basic chemical principles. | The Salters course looks at modern developments and applications of chemistry and introduces the chemical principles when required. |
In the A2 year, these are developed further by studying areas such as:
|
The teaching units cover a wide range of areas including:
|
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.
What's the difference between OCR-A and Salters?
The OCR - A specification is traditional in terms of content and approach. It 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.
The Salters course is designed to show the ways in which Chemistry is used and the work that Chemists do. It is divided into modules, each with a familiar-sounding title such as What’s in a Medicine? Developing Fuels, Thread of Life. The lessons involve a range of activities including practical work, group-work, data analysis and problem-solving. In the A2 year you do a practical project which enables you to experience how scientific research is carried out.
You should choose the specification that you think suits you best. To arrive at a decision you should:
- think about how you like to learn
- read about their differences
- ask for further information at open evenings
Each of these specificatons will lead to any career which requires A-level chemistry. Whichever specification you choose to study at Greenhead, you will not be disappointed.
Entry requirements
To study chemistry at Greenhead you need five grade C's or above. This must include dual science or chemistry, at the higher tier of study and mathematics.
What can I do with A-level chemistry?
Where do Chemists End Up Working?
|
 |
Chemical Industry
|
What Do Chemists Do in the Chemical Industry?
|
 |
|
Away From the Bench .... But Not From Chemistry
|
|
What Type of Degree?
|
'Chemistry with ..... Degrees'
(usually 2 parts Chemistry, 1 part 'other') |
How Long?
|
Careers Away From Chemistry
|
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 |
|
| Engineering Aeronautical, Electronics, Agricultural, Instrumental, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining |
|
| Environmental Studies Archaeology, Geography, Oceanography, Ecology, Safety & Health, Forestry, Surveying |
|
| Geological Sciences Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Geophysics, Mining |
|
| Accountancy/Business |
A numerate subject such as CHEMISTRY is useful |
| Architecture |
|
| Law |
About the department
The department of Chemistry consists of ten teachers assisted by three lab technicians and there are over 550 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 | Salters Students |
| "I chose this because it followed on more directly from my GCSE course" | "I chose Salters because it is more relevant to the real world" |
| "Class notes are geared to what is required for the exam" | "Doing summary notes makes you think about it, and this helps you to understand the work" |
| "I prefer to learn about the basic concepts first and then look at the applications" | "it makes the theory easier to understand if you see how it is related to real-life" |
| "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" | "I like starting a new unit - it gives you something interesting to read" |
| "The practical assessments are fairly straight forward and relate well to the theory" | "The investigation gives you the opportunity to plan and organise your own time" |
| "In this course you can see how the different parts of the subject fit together | "I enjoyed the Designing Medicine unit best, as I could see the relevance of chemistry to an area I am interested in" |
| "You get lots of practice at doing similar types of questions so that you really get to understand the work" | "The activities help you learn, and keep you interested" |
| "My brother studied OCR. He liked it" | "It has more relevance to modern chemistry" |
| "I feel safer with facts" | "My A-level Salters lessons were the ones I enjoyed most at Greenhead" |
| "It was my favourite subject" | "It is a good course as it deals with real issues" |
Course choices by chemistry students 2008
