AS AND A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY SPECIFICATION

Introduction

• Teaching from 2015, exams from 2016 onwards
• Developed with input from over a thousand teachers to ensure relevance and interest
• Specifications are stepping stones to future study in chemistry, medicine, and pharmacy
• Freedom to teach in varied contexts; practicals are central to linking theory with reality
• AS and A-level are co-teachable with exams similar in style, testing a subset of the same content

Specification at a Glance

• Subject Content:
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
• Assessments:
  • AS: Linear qualification with all exams at end of course
  • A-level: Linear qualification over two years

Subject Content

Physical Chemistry

• Atomic structure, bonding, energetics
• Chemical equilibria, redox equations
• Thermodynamics, rate equations (A-level only)

Inorganic Chemistry

• Periodicity, Group 2 & 7 elements
• Transition metals (A-level only)

Organic Chemistry

• Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols
• Carboxylic acids, polymers
• Organic synthesis, spectroscopy (A-level only)

Scheme of Assessment

• Exams test knowledge, understanding, and practical skills
• Assessment objectives:
  • AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding
  • AO2: Apply knowledge in theoretical and practical contexts
  • AO3: Analyze and evaluate information

General Administration

• Entries, codes, overlapping qualifications
• Grading from A* to E
• Re-sits allowed
• No prior learning required, but GCSE-level knowledge recommended*

Practical Assessment

• Practical skills are vital; assessed in written exams and via endorsement for A-level
• Required practical activities for both AS and A-level

Support and Resources

• Extensive teaching resources available online
• Use of Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA) tool to analyze student performance
• Professional development courses offered

Mathematical Requirements

• At least 20% of assessment includes mathematical skills
• Skills include arithmetic, data handling, algebra, graphs, geometry, and trigonometry

Key Practical Skills

• Use of apparatus and techniques, data analysis, and safety in laboratory settings

These notes provide an overview of the AQA AS and A-level Chemistry specifications, covering the key areas of subject content, assessment structure, practical skills, and available resources for teachers and students.