Chemistry

Assessment

Course Content and Components A level of Chemistry is divided into three main areas: physical, organic and inorganic. In physical chemistry, students study atomic structure; chemical bonding; energetics; kinetics and equilibria; redox reactions; electrochemistry; and acids and bases. During inorganic chemistry lessons, students learn about periodicity; reactions of Groups 2 and 7; properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides; transition metals; and the reactions of ions in aqueous solutions. In organic chemistry we study nomenclature; the reactions and mechanisms of alkanes and their derivatives; isomerism; biochemistry; aromatics; organic synthesis; and spectroscopy. The course is assessed in three two-hour written examinations at the end of the course. Paper 1 assesses physical and inorganic chemistry, paper 2 assesses physical and organic chemistry, and paper 3 is synoptic. There is no coursework component, but all students must complete the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). CPAC comprises twelve practical tasks that are completed during lessons. Questions on these tasks later form part of the written examinations.