Specification - A-Levels Chemistry
OCR's A Level in Chemistry A
OCR's A Level in Chemistry A (H432) is designed with a content-led approach and provides a flexible approach to teaching.
1c. What are the key features of this specification?
Our Chemistry A specification is designed with a content-led approach and provides a flexible approach to teaching. The specification:
Key features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Updated OCR Chemistry A content | Retains and refreshes the popular topics from the legacy OCR Chemistry qualification (H036). |
| Teaching modules | Is laid out clearly in a series of teaching modules with Additional guidance added where required to clarify assessment requirements. |
| Co-teachable structure | Is co-teachable with the AS level. |
| Practical requirements | Embeds practical requirements within the teaching modules. |
| Practical Endorsement | Identifies Practical Endorsement requirements and how these can be integrated into teaching of content. |
| Mathematical requirements | Exemplifies the mathematical requirements of the course. |
| Mathematical key requirements | Highlights opportunities for the introduction of key mathematical requirements and the additional guidance column for each module into your teaching. |
| How Science Works | Identifies, within the Additional guidance column, how the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works (HSW) can be incorporated within teaching. |
2 The specification overview
Learners must complete all components (01, 02, 03 and 04).
All components include synoptic assessment.
2a. Overview of A Level in Chemistry A (H432)
| Content Overview | Assessment Overview |
|---|---|
| Content is split into six teaching modules: • Module 1 - Development of practical skills in chemistry • Module 2 - Foundations in chemistry • Module 3 - Periodic table and energy • Module 4 - Core organic chemistry • Module 5 - Physical chemistry and transition elements • Module 6 - Organic chemistry and analysis Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). | Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01) 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper 37% of total A level Synthesis and analytical techniques (02) 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper 37% of total A level Unified chemistry (03) 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper 26% of total A level Practical Endorsement in chemistry (04) (non exam assessment) Reported separately |
Assessment components
| Component | Content assessed | Marks and duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01) | Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 | 100 marks; 2 hours 15 minutes written paper | 37% of total A level |
| Synthesis and analytical techniques (02) | Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 | 100 marks; 2 hours 15 minutes written paper | 37% of total A level |
| Unified chemistry (03) | All modules (1 to 6) | 70 marks; 1 hour 30 minutes written paper | 26% of total A level |
| Practical Endorsement in chemistry (04) | Practical skills | Non exam assessment | Reported separately |