Chemistry
What levels are on offer?
You can take Chemistry at Higher Level or at Standard Level.How do I decide which to choose?
- Higher Level Chemistry is aimed at students who really enjoy Chemistry and those who are possibly interested in taking or need it (e.g. medicine) at University.
- Standard Level is aimed at students who are likely to need to use Chemistry in their career but at a lower level.
What will I need?
For Higher Level Chemistry you will ideally have at least a B at GCSE or BTEC Diploma/Certificate In Applied Science at a Merit and for Standard Level we would prefer you to have at least a C or BTEC Merit in the specific Science you wish to study. However, we encourage students with a good general standard at GCSE or BTEC to apply.What will I study?
- The Standard Level Course includes topics on
- Quantitative chemistry,
- Atomic structure
- Periodicity
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Kinetics
- Equilibrium
- Acids and bases
- Oxidation and reduction
- Organic chemistry
- Measurement and data processing
The Higher Level Course takes all the Standard Level topics further
How will I be assessed?
Internal Assessment
This is the practical component of your course, and is marked by your teachers.
Internal assessment counts towards 24% of your final marks!
External Assessment
This is completed by examination in May of the second year. You will sit three papers, all of which will be marked by an examiner.
Paper 1 is made up of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of the core only for students at SL and the core and AHL material for students at HL.
Paper 2 tests knowledge of the core only, for students at SL, and the core and AHL material for students at HL. The paper is divided into two sections. In section A, there is a data-based question that requires students to analyse a given set of data. The remainder of section A is made up of short-answer questions. In section B, students at SL are required to answer one question from a choice of three, and students at HL are required to answer two questions from a choice of four. These extended-response questions may involve writing a number of paragraphs, solving a substantial problem, or carrying out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation.
Paper 3 tests knowledge of the options. Students at SL are required to answer several short-answer questions in each of the two options studied. Students at HL are required to answer several short-answer questions and an extended-response question in each of the two options studied.
External assessment counts towards 76% of your final marks
