Chemistry

Chemistry is often described as the central science, since it combines elements of physics, biology and medicine. It is concerned with all aspects of molecules and materials, their physical and chemical properties, how we determine their composition and structure, and how we make and modify them for use in a modern society. Chemistry is one of the most popular subjects at Liverpool College with a large number of studying the subject at IB and A level. Many of our students go on to study medicine and other chemistry-related degrees at University.

Chemistry is taught as a separate science to all pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11 as chemistry in its own right. The lessons are based on the AQA Examination Board GCSE syllabus. The aim is to provide a course that gives a rigorous academic experience for all students, as well as providing a sound foundation for those who continue with the subject beyond GCSE.

The course has a very strong practical bias, with pupils performing a great deal of experimental work themselves. The practical assessment accounts for 25% of the GCSE examination. A very important strand of the course involves understanding how chemistry affects our everyday lives.

Students in year 7 and 8 have the opportunity to further their curiosity in chemistry by attending the science club held each week and every year students have the opportunity to pit their deductive skills against other schools in the Merseyside "Top of the Bench" Event.

Sixth Form

In Sixth Form students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme of study or the AQA A Level Specification. Either course lays a firm foundation for anyone wishing to pursue any one of a wide range of courses at degree level including Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Dentistry, Genetics, Medicine, Pharmacology, Physiology, Sports Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology.

A Level

Chemistry is often described as the central science, since it combines elements of physics, biology and medicine. It is concerned with all aspects of molecules and materials, their physical and chemical properties, how we determine their composition and structure, and how we make and modify them for use in a modern society. Many of our pupils go on to study medicine and other chemistry-related degrees at University.
At Advanced level we follow the AQA AS/A level specification (2420). This is divided up into six units based around physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. Two of these units (one in each Year) assess the pupils in their investigative and practical skills, both of which are externally marked.

At AS Level (Y12) pupils are given a solid grounding in foundation Chemistry. The specification introduces the chemical reactivity of atoms and molecules and provides an understanding of their structures. The development and use of periodic table is explained.

Unit 1 - CHM 1 - Foundation Chemistry	70 raw marks 100 UMS	4-5 short answer questions plus 1 longer structured question	1.25 hours	33.33% AS 16.66% A level marks
Unit 2 - CHM2 - Chemistry in Action	100 raw marks 140 UMS	6 - 8 short answer questions plus 2 longer structured questions	1.75 hours	46.66% AS 23.33% A level marks
Unit 3 - CHM3t - Investigative and Practical Skills in AS	50 raw marks 60 UMS	. ISA Based Practical		20% AS 10% A level marks

At A2 Level (Y13) the specification develops the concepts of physical chemistry introduced at AS. Pupils study kinetics, equilibria, organic chemistry and spectroscopic techniques to determine the molecular formulae and structures of organic compounds.

Unit 4 - CHM4 - Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry	100 raw marks 120 UMS	6-8 short answer questions plus 2 longer structured questions. Some of the questions will have synoptic elements.	1.75 hours	20% A level marks
Unit 5 - CHM5 - Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry	100 raw marks 140 UMS	5 - 7 short answer questions plus 2-3 longer structured questions. Some of the questions will have synoptic elements.	1.75 hours	20% A level marks
Unit 6 - CHM6T	50 raw marks 60 UMS	ISA Practical		20% AS 10% A level marks