New GCEs for 2008

GCE Chemistry (2420)

AQA-Marked Internal Assessment – Latest News: QCA has accredited AQA's amended specification incorporating the new alternative AQA-marked route for internal assessment. Updated printed colour copies of the specification will be sent to centres shortly. Register on Ask AQA for your personal copy and binder. Learn more about the changes in our free 'Preparing to Teach' support meetings.

Introducing AQA's new course specification for Chemistry for AS and A Level. This new redrafted specification has been designed to:

develop a candidate's knowledge and understanding of Chemistry to provide a pathway to further study
ensure that learning is enjoyable, and enhances a candidate's enthusiasm for Chemistry
ensure relevance to contemporary issues by building on the concepts of How Science Works that were introduced at GCSE.

The following information and specification outline will enable both practising Teachers and Subject Heads to be better informed and supported in the teaching of this subject, particularly if attending one of AQA's Teacher Support meetings.

Classification Codes

Every specification is assigned a national classification code indicating the subject area to which it belongs. The classification code for this specification is 1110.

Centres should be aware that candidates who enter for more than one GCE AS/A level qualification with the same classification code will have only one grade (the highest) counted for the purpose of the School and College Performance Tables.

Centres may wish to advise candidates that, if they take two specifications with the same classification code, universities and employers are very likely to take the view that they have achieved only one of the two GCE AS/A levels. The same view may be taken if candidates take two GCE AS/A level specifications that have different classification codes but have significant overlap of content. Candidates who have any doubts about their subject combinations should check with the university to which they wish to progress or company they wish to join, before embarking on their programmes.

Assessment Objectives

The Assessment objectives are common to AS and A Level.

AO1 - Recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge. Select organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms.

AO2 - Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and process. Apply scientific knowledge and processes in unfamiliar situations including those related to issues. Assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information.

AO3 - Demonstrate and describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods. Know how to make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy. Analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others' experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways.