Course Content
- Component 1: Physical Chemistry
- Component 2: Inorganic Chemistry
- Component 3: Organic Chemistry
| Component | Assessment | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 + 2 + Relevant practical skills | Written exam | 2h | 35% |
| 1 + 3 + Relevant practical skills | Written exam | 2h | 35% |
| 1-3 + Relevant practical skills | Written exam | 2h | 30% |
| Common Practical Assessment | Ongoing – teacher assessed | Separate Practical endorsement Certification |
Year 12
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Atomic Structure
- Chemistry – Amount of Substance
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- The fundamental particles in the structure of atoms
- Mass Number and Isotopes
- Time of Flight (TOF) Mass Spectrometer (electro-spray and electron impact)
- Interpret simple mass spectra of elements and calculate relative atomic mass from isotopic abundance
- Electronic configuration and ionisation energy
- Students will learn about:
- Relative Atomic Mass (Ar) and Relative Formula Mass (Mr)
- The mole and Avogadro Constant
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Bonding
- Chemistry – Group 7: The Halogens
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- Ionic bonding (predict the charge on a simple ion using the position of the element in the Periodic Table)
- Nature of covalent and dative (co-ordinate) covalent bonds
- Metallic bonding
- Bonding and physical properties (relate the melting point and conductivity of materials to the type of structure and bonding present)
- Shapes of molecules and ions
- Intermolecular forces between molecules
- Students will learn about:
- Trends in properties and tests for halide ions, chloride, bromide, iodide
- Uses of chlorine and chlorate (1)
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Energetics
- Chemistry – Kinetics
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- Enthalpy change (define standard enthalpy of formation and combustion)
- Calorimetry
- Application of Hess’s Law
- Bond enthalpies
- Students will learn about:
- Collision theory
- Maxwell-Boltzman distribution
- Effect of temperature, concentration, pressure and catalyst on reaction rate using Le Chatalier’s Principle
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Chemistry – Alkanes
- Chemistry -Halogenoalkanes
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- Nomenclature limited to chains and rings of up to 6 carbon atoms (naming of organic compounds), using structural, displayed and skeletal formulas for given compounds
- Reaction mechanisms (nucleophilic addition, elimination, free-radical substitution, electrophilic addition, dehydration of alcohols)
- Isomerism (apply the CIP rules to E/Z geometrical isomers)
- Students will learn about:
- Fractional distillation of crude oil
- Modification of alkanes by cracking
- Combustion and chlorination of alkanes
- Students will learn about:
- Nucleophilic substitution and elimination
- Ozone depletion
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Alkenes
- Chemistry – Alcohols
- Chemistry – Organic Analysis
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- Structure, bonding and reactivity
- Electrophilic addition reactions
- Addition polymerisation
- Students will learn about:
- Alcohol production
- Oxidation of alcohols
- Elimination
- Students will learn about:
- Identification of functional groups by test-tube reactions
- Mass spectrometry
- Infra-red spectroscopy
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Periodicity
- Chemistry – Group 2 The Alkaline Earth metals
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- Classification
- Physical properties of the period 3 elements
- Students will learn about:
- Trends in chemical and physical properies
- Trends in chemical and physical properies
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- This term is likely to include a formal full AS paper exam (or teacher determined alternative) – a synoptic assessment of all work covered for the year.
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Year 13
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Thermodynamics
- Chemistry – Rate equations, Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
- Chemistry – Optical isomerism, Aldehydes and Ketones, Carboxylic acids and derivatives
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- Born-Haber cycles
- Gibbs Free Energy change and Entropy change
- Students will learn about:
- Rate of reaction related to concentration of reactants and orders of reaction
- Determination of the rate equation
- Arrhenius equation
- Partial pressure, mole fraction and Kp
- Students will learn about:
- Drawing optical isomers 3 dimentionally
- Racemic mixtures and optical activity
- Reaction of Hydrogen Cyanide with aldehydes and ketones
- Acylation (nucleophilic addition-elimination mechanism)
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Aromatic compounds, Amines, Condensation polymers, Amino acids, proteins and DNA
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- Bonding in Benzene and electrophilic substitution mechanisms
- Preparation of amines, base and nucleophilic properties of amines
- Condensation polymerisation, biodegradability and disposal of polymers (including addition polymers)
- Amino acids, Proteins, enzymes, DNA action of anti-cancer drug cis-platin
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Chromatography, nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Organic synthesis
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Rf values/retention times
- Column and Gas Chromatography
- Interpret proton and carbon-13 spectra to deduce structure of compounds
- Devise synthesis routes for all organic compounds up to four steps in sequence
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- This term is likely to include a formal mock exam in all subjects – refer to school exam schedule for further details.
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Chemistry – Acids and Bases, Electrode Potentials and Electro-chemical cells, Transition metals
- Chemistry – Reactions of ions in aqueous solution, properties of period 3 elements and their oxides
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about:
- Bronstead-Lowry acid-base equilibria in solution
- Definition and determination of pH
- Ionic product of water Kw
- Weak acid and base and Ka for weak acids
- pH curves, titrations and indicators
- Buffer action and associated calculations
- Electrode potential cell calculations and commercial applications of electro-chemical cells
- General properties and substitution reactions of transition metals
- Shapes of complex ions
- Formation of coloured ions
- Variable oxidation states and catalysts
- Students will learn about:
- Variable oxidation states in catalysis
- The contact process to make sulfuric acid
- Amphoteric character of some metal hydroxides
- Test tube reactions to identify metals ions, Fe, Cu. Al, Fe
- Explain trends in physical and chemical properties of period 3 elements between Na and S
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- All subjects – Preparation for final examinations
Core Knowledge
- Focussed revision and preparation for the final examination
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- All subjects – Preparation for final examinations
Core Knowledge
- Focussed revision and preparation for the final examination
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- N/A
Key Info
- Start Date: September 2026
- Awarding Body: AQA
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Length: 2 Years
Entry Requirements
TBC
Complementary Subjects
Career Opportunities
Chemistry is a key subject for many careers, including: Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Forensics, Medicine, Oceanography and Pharmaceuticals.