Specification: AQA 7405
The AQA GCE AS A Level Chemistry syllabus is designed in consultation with teachers and universities, to help students develop not only subject knowledge, but also a strong understanding of some of the key concepts that are critical to mastering the subject
The AQA GCE Chemistry syllabus enables students to progress on to university.
Assessment
Teacher assessments are continuous during LIVE TAUGHT lessons, marking of coursework and assignments and summative tests.
Homework
Homework will be given at the end of each week, usually in the form of problems to solve, researching key concepts.
Reporting
Students have 24 /7 access to all of their resources and coursework.
Additionally the school holds 3 parent consultations per year - one each term.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course will follow the current AQA GCE specifications.
The course will be based on the textbooks recommended for AQA GCEs.
Topics Covered
Physical chemistry
1 Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry
2 Atomic structure
3 Chemical bonding
4 States of matter
5 Chemical energetics
6 Electrochemistry
7 Equilibria
8 Reaction kinetics
Inorganic chemistry
9 The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity
10 Group 2
11 Group 17
12 An introduction to the chemistry of transition elements
13 Nitrogen and sulfur
Organic chemistry and analysis
14 An introduction to organic chemistry
15 Hydrocarbons
16 Halogen derivatives
17 Hydroxy compounds
18 Carbonyl compounds
19 Carboxylic acids and derivatives
20 Nitrogen compounds
21 Polymerisation
22 Analytical techniques
23 Organic synthesis
All candidates study practical skills.
These topics will be taught in Years 12 and 13 to prepare students for their AQA A Level examinations.
Examinations
AQA science A Levels do not require a science practical endorsement examination to pass (all grades A*-G are achievable without a practical examination). However, students are advised to check with their intended university whether a science practical endorsement is required. If so science practical endorsement examinations can be taken later, even after students have passed and left the A Level course. Please note that AQA examinations are for UK students only. International students should preparae for CIE examinations which will require a practical endorsement examination.
Examination Papers
Our lessons prepare students for June Series examinations only.
AS Level
Paper 1: topic 1 (Sections 1.1 to 1.4, 1.6 and 1.7) to topic 2 (Sections 2.1 to 2.3) including relevant practical skills, written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of AS
Paper 2: topic 1 (Sections 1.2 to 1.6) and topic 3 (Section 3.1 to 3.6), including relevant practical skills, written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of AS
A Level
Paper 1: topic 1 (Sections 1.1 to 1.4, 1.6 to 1.8 and 1.10 to 1.12) and topic 2 (Section 3.2), including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 105 marks, 35% of A Level
Paper 2: Any content from topic 1 (Sections 1.1 to 1.4, 1.6 to 1.8 and 1.10 to 1.12) and topic 3 (Section 3.3), including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 105 marks, 35% of A Level
Paper 3: Any content and any practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 90 marks, 30% of A Level
Examination Centres
Parents are responsible for arranging their child's examinations at their local registered examination centre. Online School of Uganda students study from every part of the country and so it is not practical for the school to offer a single venue to sit examinations.. Consequently online school of Uganda is not registered with Cambridge International Examinations but has partnerships with examination centres registered with Cambridge International Examinations and will support students in locating a suitable venue for sitting their written and practical examinations.
General points
Assessment, apart from the final A Level exams, will be carried out continuously throughout lessons, via homework or short tests.
Science is usually taught as a hands-on practical subject.
Items that would be useful to have would be safety goggles, an apron, and a tray on which to carry out practicals (e.g. large baking tray). Additional materials will be announced a week before required in the lesson along with a permission slip (to be signed by the parents). If a student cannot get access to materials required for practicals or does not wish to carry out a practical, they should not worry as the practical will also be demonstrated by the teacher.
The number of practicals will be relatively restricted owing to the nature of the course (online versus conventional), but we will try to include as many practicals as possible using safe household materials. Students will also be encouraged to think scientifically in an everyday context, making them aware of the science around them and how it can help in solving problems.
Disclaimer:
"The conducting of experiments is potentially dangerous and must be supervised by an adult. Online School of Uganda and its teachers do not demand that pupils conduct experiments. Parents and pupils must take the decision to conduct experiments / dangerous activities and must therefore accept responsibility for any outcomes. Online School of Uganda does not accept responsibility for experiments or any other dangerous activity conducted at the homes of its pupils or in any other place."