A level
Our 6th Form Open Evening took place on 9 November 2022.
In previous years, when we ran our Open Evening as a virtual event, we produced video guides to each subject. These remain relevant and are available as a collected playlist on our YouTube Channel.
The introductory video to life in the 6th Form at Borlase, and a virtual tour of the school are also available to watch.
A level Specification and Curriculum Overview
Course entry requirements
Students must have achieved a minimum of a grade 7,7 in GCSE Combined Science or a grade 7 in GCSE Chemistry.
In addition to this, students are expected to pass a short test given in the first week of September.
A-level curriculum overview
Year 12 course - assessed at the end of Year 12 in a Mock examination
Autumn Term
Topic 1 – Atomic structure and the periodic table
Topic 2 – Bonding and structure
Topic 4 – Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
Topic 5 – Formulae, equations and amounts of substance
Spring Term
Topic 3 – Redox I
Topic 6.1 – Introduction to organic chemistry
Topic 6.2 – Hydrocarbons: alkanes and alkenes
Topic 6.3 – Halogenoalkanes and alcohols
Topic 7 – Modern analytical techniques I
Topic 8 – Energetics I
Topic 9 – Kinetics I
Topic 10 – Equilibrium I
Topic 11 - Equilibrium II
Summer Term
Topic 13.1 - Lattice Energy
Topic 13.2 - Entropy
Topic 12 - Acid-base equilibria
The Mock examination will also take place at the start of this term. The result of this, along with tests over the course of the year, will determine the indicative grade for UCAS. The final predicted grade will be based on this and the Topic 12 and Topic 13 tests, for which comprehensive summer work will be provided.
Year 13 course
Autumn Term
Topic 16 – Kinetics II
Topic 17.2 - Carbonyl compounds
Topic 17.1 – Chirality
Topic 17.3 - Carboxylic acids and their derivatives
Topic 18.1 – Arenes – benzene compounds
Topic 18.2 - Amines, amides, amino acids and proteins
Topic 18.3 - Organic synthesis
Spring Term
Topic 14 – Redox II
Topic 15 – Transition metals
Topic 19 – Modern analytical techniques II
Summer Term
Revision
Examination
A Level Paper 1 (9CHO/01) – Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry 1 hour 45 mins 30%
A Level Paper 2 (9CH0/02) – Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry 1 hour 45 mins 30%
A Level Paper 3 (9CH0/03) – General and Practical Principles in Chemistry 2 hour 30 mins 40%
Equipment and Expenses: The textbooks cost approximately £25 each and a laboratory coat and googles approximately £20.
Students are also recommended to join RSC ChemNet – the Royal Society of Chemistry network for 16 to 18 year olds for online access to the latest advances in Chemistry.
Departmental Support: Chemistry very much builds on itself as a subject and students are encouraged to ask as soon as they are unsure.
All four members of staff are happy to arrange to help students during breaks or lunchtimes, even if they’re taught by another member of staff.
Ms Shah also runs drop-in-clinics on Tuesday lunchtimes.
There are also two timetabled periods each week for students who need regular support.
Extra-curricular: There are several opportunities for A level students, supported by the Department:
KS3 Science Club: This is student-run with some support from Ms Shah and involves a weekly fun practical activity.
ChemSoc: This is student-run with some support from Ms Shah and involves a weekly presentation and when possible practical demonstrations.
RSC Analysts competition: Ms Shah put on the oppertunity for students to compete in this competition during the summer term.
Mentoring: This can be in a primary school or one to one with a GCSE pupil.
Chemistry in Action: Students have the opportunity to attend this conference in Year 12.