A LEVEL
Specification
CHEMISTRY A
H432
For first assessment in 2017
ocr.org.uk/alevelchemistrya
Version 2.4 (January 2019)
Registered office: © 2018 OCR. All rights reserved.
1 Hills Road
Cambridge Copyright
CB1 2EU OCR retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications.
However, registered centres for OCR are permitted to copy material from this
OCR is an exempt charity. specification booklet for their own internal use.
Oxford Cambridge and RSA is a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Registered in England. Registered company number 3484466.
Disclaimer Specifications are updated over time. Whilst every effort is made to check all
documents, there may be contradictions between published resources and the
specification, therefore please use the information on the latest specification at
all times. Where changes are made to specifications these will be indicated within
the document, there will be a new version number indicated, and a summary
of the changes. If you do notice a discrepancy between the specification and a
resource please contact us at:
We will inform centres about changes to specifications. We will also publish
changes on our website. The latest version of our specifications will always be
those on our website (ocr.org.uk) and these may differ from printed versions.
, Contents
Introducing…A Level Chemistry A (from September 2015) ii Introducing…
Teaching and learning resources iii
Professional Development iv
A Level Chemistry A (from September 2015)
This specification allows teachers to adopt a flexible This specification incorporates the Ofqual GCE Subject
1 Why choose an OCR A Level in Chemistry A? 1 approach to the delivery of A Level Chemistry. The Level Conditions and Requirements for Chemistry.
1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? 1 course has been designed to enable centres to
1b. Why choose an OCR A Level in Chemistry A? 2 deliver the content modules (Modules 2–6) using the Contact the team
framework provided or to design a customised course.
1c. What are the key features of this specification? 3 We have a dedicated team of people working on our
Practical work done to support teaching of the content
1d. How do I find out more information? 4 will serve to cover the requirements of the practical A Level Chemistry qualifications.
skills module (Module 1), which is assessed in written
2 The specification overview 5 examinations and through the Practical Endorsement.
If you need specialist advice, guidance or support, get
2a. Overview of A Level in Chemistry A (H432) 5 in touch as follows:
2b. Content of A Level in Chemistry A (H432) 6 The specification is divided into chemical topics, each
•• 01223 553998
containing different key concepts of chemistry. Certain
2c. Content of modules 1 to 6 8 topics are split over modules, to facilitate co-teaching ••
2d. Prior knowledge, learning and progression 64 of the AS Level qualification in Chemistry A with the
first year of A Level. Centres that are not co-teaching •• @OCR_science
3 Assessment of OCR A Level in Chemistry A 65 this course with the AS Level may elect to teach these
3a. Forms of assessment 65 topics sequentially.
3b. Assessment objectives (AO) 66
Throughout the specification, cross-references indicate
3c. Assessment availability 66 the relevance of individual learning outcomes to the
3d. Retaking the qualification 67 mathematical and practical criteria that are embedded
3e. Assessment of extended response 67 in the assessments.
3f. Synoptic assessment 67
3g. Calculating qualification results 67
4 Admin: what you need to know 68
4a. Pre-assessment 68
4b. Accessibility and special consideration 70
4c. External assessment arrangements 70
4d. Admin of non-exam assessment 71
4e. Results and certificates 71
4f. Post-results services 72
4g. Malpractice 72
5 Appendices 73
5a. Overlap with other qualifications 73
5b. Avoidance of bias 73
5c. Chemistry A data sheet 74
5d. How Science Works (HSW) 78
5e. Mathematical requirements 79
5f. Health and Safety 85
5g. Practical endorsement 86
5h. Revision of the requirements for practical work 92
Summary of updates 93
© OCR 2016 © OCR 2016
A Level in Chemistry A i ii A Level in Chemistry A
,Teaching and learning resources Professional Development
We recognise that the introduction of a new Plenty of useful resources Take advantage of our improved Professional These events are designed to help prepare you for first
specification can bring challenges for implementation Development Programme, designed with you in mind. teaching and to support your delivery at every stage.
and teaching. Our aim is to help you at every stage and You’ll have four main types of subject-specific teaching Whether you want to come to face-to-face events,
we’re working hard to provide a practical package of and learning resources at your fingertips: look at our new digital training or search for training Watch out for details at cpdhub.org.uk.
support in close consultation with teachers and other materials, you can find what you’re looking for all in
•• Delivery Guides To receive the latest information about the training
experts, so we can help you to make the change. one place at the CPD Hub.
we’ll be offering, please register for A Level email
•• Transition Guides
Designed to support progression for all An introduction to the new specifications: updates at ocr.org.uk/updates.
•• Topic Exploration Packs
Our resources are designed to provide you with a We’ll be running events to help you get to grips with
range of teaching activities and suggestions so you can •• Lesson Elements. our A Level Chemistry A qualification.
select the best approach for your particular students.
Along with subject-specific resources, you’ll also have
You are the experts on how your students learn and
access to a selection of generic resources that focus
our aim is to support you in the best way we can.
on skills development and professional guidance for
We want to… teachers.
•• Support you with a body of knowledge Skills Guides – we’ve produced a set of Skills Guides
that grows throughout the lifetime of the that are not specific to Chemistry, but each covers a
specification topic that could be relevant to a range of qualifications
– for example, communication, legislation and
•• Provide you with a range of suggestions so you research. Download the guides at
can select the best activity, approach or context ocr.org.uk/skillsguides
for your particular students
Active Results – a free online results analysis service
•• Make it easier for you to explore and interact to help you review the performance of individual
with our resource materials, in particular to students or your whole school. It provides access to
develop your own schemes of work detailed results data, enabling more comprehensive
•• Create an ongoing conversation so we can analysis of results in order to give you a more accurate
develop materials that work for you. measurement of the achievements of your centre and
individual students. For more details refer to
ocr.org.uk/activeresults
© OCR 2016 © OCR 2016
A Level in Chemistry A iii iv A Level in Chemistry A
, 1 Why choose an OCR A Level in Chemistry A?
1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? 1b. Why choose an OCR A Level in Chemistry A?
Choose OCR and you’ve got the reassurance that We provide a range of support services designed to We appreciate that one size doesn’t fit all so we offer to-date relevant content within a framework that is
you’re working with one of the UK’s leading exam help you at every stage, from preparation through to two suites of qualifications in each science: interesting to teach and administer within all centres
boards. Our new A Level in Chemistry A course
has been developed in consultation with teachers,
the delivery of our specifications. This includes:
1 1 Chemistry A – a content-led approach. A flexible
(large and small).
employers and Higher Education to provide students •• A wide range of high-quality creative resources approach where the specification is divided into topics, Our new A Level in Chemistry A builds on our existing
with a qualification that’s relevant to them and meets including: each covering different key concepts of chemistry. popular course. We’ve based the redevelopment of
their needs. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the our A level sciences on an understanding of what
o delivery guides theoretical topics and they’re assessed both through works well in centres large and small and have updated
We’re part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, o transition guides written papers and, for A level only, the Practical areas of content and assessment where stakeholders
Europe’s largest assessment agency and a department o topic exploration packs Endorsement. have identified that improvements could be made.
of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge Assessment o lesson elements We’ve undertaken a significant amount of consultation
plays a leading role in developing and delivering o …and much more. Chemistry B (Salters) – a context-led approach. through our science forums (which include
assessments throughout the world, operating in over Learners study chemistry in a range of different representatives from learned societies, HE, teaching
•• Access to Subject Advisors to support you
150 countries. contexts, conveying the excitement of contemporary and industry) and through focus groups with teachers.
through the transition and throughout the
chemistry. Ideas are introduced in a spiral way with Our papers and specifications have been trialled in
lifetime of the specifications.
We work with a range of education providers, including topics introduced in an early part of the course centres during development to make sure they work
schools, colleges, workplaces and other institutions •• CPD/Training for teachers to introduce the reinforced later. The ‘B’ specification places a particular well for all centres and learners.
in both the public and private sectors. Over 13,000 qualifications and prepare you for first teaching. emphasis on an investigational and problem-solving
centres choose our A levels, GCSEs and vocational approach to practical work and is supported by The content changes are an evolution of our legacy
qualifications including Cambridge Nationals and •• Active Results – our free results analysis service extensive new materials developed by the University of offering and will be familiar to centres already
Cambridge Technicals. to help you review the performance of individual York Science Education Group. following our courses, but are also clear and logically
students or whole schools. laid out for centres new to OCR, with assessment
All of our specifications have been developed with models that are straightforward to administer. We have
Our Specifications •• ExamBuilder – our free online past papers
subject and teaching experts. We have worked in close worked closely with teachers and HE representatives
service that enables you to build your own test
We believe in developing specifications that help you consultation with teachers and representatives from to provide high quality support materials to guide you
papers from past OCR exam questions.
bring the subject to life and inspire your students to Higher Education (HE) with the aim of including up- through the new qualifications.
achieve more. All A level qualifications offered by OCR are accredited
by Ofqual, the Regulator for qualifications offered in
We’ve created teacher-friendly specifications based on England. The accreditation number for OCR’s A Level in Aims and learning outcomes
extensive research and engagement with the teaching Chemistry A is QN: 601/5255/2.
community. They’re designed to be straightforward
and accessible so that you can tailor the delivery of OCR’s A Level in Chemistry A specification aims to •• develop their interest in and enthusiasm for
the course to suit your needs. We aim to encourage encourage learners to: the subject, including developing an interest in
learners to become responsible for their own learning, further study and careers associated with the
•• develop essential knowledge and understanding subject
confident in discussing ideas, innovative and engaged. of different areas of the subject and how they
relate to each other •• understand how society makes decisions about
scientific issues and how the sciences contribute
•• develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation to the success of the economy and society (as
of the skills, knowledge and understanding of exemplified in ‘How Science Works’ (HSW)).
scientific methods
•• develop competence and confidence in a variety
of practical, mathematical and problem solving
skills
© OCR 2016 © OCR 2016
A Level in Chemistry A 1 2 A Level in Chemistry A
Specification
CHEMISTRY A
H432
For first assessment in 2017
ocr.org.uk/alevelchemistrya
Version 2.4 (January 2019)
Registered office: © 2018 OCR. All rights reserved.
1 Hills Road
Cambridge Copyright
CB1 2EU OCR retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications.
However, registered centres for OCR are permitted to copy material from this
OCR is an exempt charity. specification booklet for their own internal use.
Oxford Cambridge and RSA is a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Registered in England. Registered company number 3484466.
Disclaimer Specifications are updated over time. Whilst every effort is made to check all
documents, there may be contradictions between published resources and the
specification, therefore please use the information on the latest specification at
all times. Where changes are made to specifications these will be indicated within
the document, there will be a new version number indicated, and a summary
of the changes. If you do notice a discrepancy between the specification and a
resource please contact us at:
We will inform centres about changes to specifications. We will also publish
changes on our website. The latest version of our specifications will always be
those on our website (ocr.org.uk) and these may differ from printed versions.
, Contents
Introducing…A Level Chemistry A (from September 2015) ii Introducing…
Teaching and learning resources iii
Professional Development iv
A Level Chemistry A (from September 2015)
This specification allows teachers to adopt a flexible This specification incorporates the Ofqual GCE Subject
1 Why choose an OCR A Level in Chemistry A? 1 approach to the delivery of A Level Chemistry. The Level Conditions and Requirements for Chemistry.
1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? 1 course has been designed to enable centres to
1b. Why choose an OCR A Level in Chemistry A? 2 deliver the content modules (Modules 2–6) using the Contact the team
framework provided or to design a customised course.
1c. What are the key features of this specification? 3 We have a dedicated team of people working on our
Practical work done to support teaching of the content
1d. How do I find out more information? 4 will serve to cover the requirements of the practical A Level Chemistry qualifications.
skills module (Module 1), which is assessed in written
2 The specification overview 5 examinations and through the Practical Endorsement.
If you need specialist advice, guidance or support, get
2a. Overview of A Level in Chemistry A (H432) 5 in touch as follows:
2b. Content of A Level in Chemistry A (H432) 6 The specification is divided into chemical topics, each
•• 01223 553998
containing different key concepts of chemistry. Certain
2c. Content of modules 1 to 6 8 topics are split over modules, to facilitate co-teaching ••
2d. Prior knowledge, learning and progression 64 of the AS Level qualification in Chemistry A with the
first year of A Level. Centres that are not co-teaching •• @OCR_science
3 Assessment of OCR A Level in Chemistry A 65 this course with the AS Level may elect to teach these
3a. Forms of assessment 65 topics sequentially.
3b. Assessment objectives (AO) 66
Throughout the specification, cross-references indicate
3c. Assessment availability 66 the relevance of individual learning outcomes to the
3d. Retaking the qualification 67 mathematical and practical criteria that are embedded
3e. Assessment of extended response 67 in the assessments.
3f. Synoptic assessment 67
3g. Calculating qualification results 67
4 Admin: what you need to know 68
4a. Pre-assessment 68
4b. Accessibility and special consideration 70
4c. External assessment arrangements 70
4d. Admin of non-exam assessment 71
4e. Results and certificates 71
4f. Post-results services 72
4g. Malpractice 72
5 Appendices 73
5a. Overlap with other qualifications 73
5b. Avoidance of bias 73
5c. Chemistry A data sheet 74
5d. How Science Works (HSW) 78
5e. Mathematical requirements 79
5f. Health and Safety 85
5g. Practical endorsement 86
5h. Revision of the requirements for practical work 92
Summary of updates 93
© OCR 2016 © OCR 2016
A Level in Chemistry A i ii A Level in Chemistry A
,Teaching and learning resources Professional Development
We recognise that the introduction of a new Plenty of useful resources Take advantage of our improved Professional These events are designed to help prepare you for first
specification can bring challenges for implementation Development Programme, designed with you in mind. teaching and to support your delivery at every stage.
and teaching. Our aim is to help you at every stage and You’ll have four main types of subject-specific teaching Whether you want to come to face-to-face events,
we’re working hard to provide a practical package of and learning resources at your fingertips: look at our new digital training or search for training Watch out for details at cpdhub.org.uk.
support in close consultation with teachers and other materials, you can find what you’re looking for all in
•• Delivery Guides To receive the latest information about the training
experts, so we can help you to make the change. one place at the CPD Hub.
we’ll be offering, please register for A Level email
•• Transition Guides
Designed to support progression for all An introduction to the new specifications: updates at ocr.org.uk/updates.
•• Topic Exploration Packs
Our resources are designed to provide you with a We’ll be running events to help you get to grips with
range of teaching activities and suggestions so you can •• Lesson Elements. our A Level Chemistry A qualification.
select the best approach for your particular students.
Along with subject-specific resources, you’ll also have
You are the experts on how your students learn and
access to a selection of generic resources that focus
our aim is to support you in the best way we can.
on skills development and professional guidance for
We want to… teachers.
•• Support you with a body of knowledge Skills Guides – we’ve produced a set of Skills Guides
that grows throughout the lifetime of the that are not specific to Chemistry, but each covers a
specification topic that could be relevant to a range of qualifications
– for example, communication, legislation and
•• Provide you with a range of suggestions so you research. Download the guides at
can select the best activity, approach or context ocr.org.uk/skillsguides
for your particular students
Active Results – a free online results analysis service
•• Make it easier for you to explore and interact to help you review the performance of individual
with our resource materials, in particular to students or your whole school. It provides access to
develop your own schemes of work detailed results data, enabling more comprehensive
•• Create an ongoing conversation so we can analysis of results in order to give you a more accurate
develop materials that work for you. measurement of the achievements of your centre and
individual students. For more details refer to
ocr.org.uk/activeresults
© OCR 2016 © OCR 2016
A Level in Chemistry A iii iv A Level in Chemistry A
, 1 Why choose an OCR A Level in Chemistry A?
1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? 1b. Why choose an OCR A Level in Chemistry A?
Choose OCR and you’ve got the reassurance that We provide a range of support services designed to We appreciate that one size doesn’t fit all so we offer to-date relevant content within a framework that is
you’re working with one of the UK’s leading exam help you at every stage, from preparation through to two suites of qualifications in each science: interesting to teach and administer within all centres
boards. Our new A Level in Chemistry A course
has been developed in consultation with teachers,
the delivery of our specifications. This includes:
1 1 Chemistry A – a content-led approach. A flexible
(large and small).
employers and Higher Education to provide students •• A wide range of high-quality creative resources approach where the specification is divided into topics, Our new A Level in Chemistry A builds on our existing
with a qualification that’s relevant to them and meets including: each covering different key concepts of chemistry. popular course. We’ve based the redevelopment of
their needs. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the our A level sciences on an understanding of what
o delivery guides theoretical topics and they’re assessed both through works well in centres large and small and have updated
We’re part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, o transition guides written papers and, for A level only, the Practical areas of content and assessment where stakeholders
Europe’s largest assessment agency and a department o topic exploration packs Endorsement. have identified that improvements could be made.
of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge Assessment o lesson elements We’ve undertaken a significant amount of consultation
plays a leading role in developing and delivering o …and much more. Chemistry B (Salters) – a context-led approach. through our science forums (which include
assessments throughout the world, operating in over Learners study chemistry in a range of different representatives from learned societies, HE, teaching
•• Access to Subject Advisors to support you
150 countries. contexts, conveying the excitement of contemporary and industry) and through focus groups with teachers.
through the transition and throughout the
chemistry. Ideas are introduced in a spiral way with Our papers and specifications have been trialled in
lifetime of the specifications.
We work with a range of education providers, including topics introduced in an early part of the course centres during development to make sure they work
schools, colleges, workplaces and other institutions •• CPD/Training for teachers to introduce the reinforced later. The ‘B’ specification places a particular well for all centres and learners.
in both the public and private sectors. Over 13,000 qualifications and prepare you for first teaching. emphasis on an investigational and problem-solving
centres choose our A levels, GCSEs and vocational approach to practical work and is supported by The content changes are an evolution of our legacy
qualifications including Cambridge Nationals and •• Active Results – our free results analysis service extensive new materials developed by the University of offering and will be familiar to centres already
Cambridge Technicals. to help you review the performance of individual York Science Education Group. following our courses, but are also clear and logically
students or whole schools. laid out for centres new to OCR, with assessment
All of our specifications have been developed with models that are straightforward to administer. We have
Our Specifications •• ExamBuilder – our free online past papers
subject and teaching experts. We have worked in close worked closely with teachers and HE representatives
service that enables you to build your own test
We believe in developing specifications that help you consultation with teachers and representatives from to provide high quality support materials to guide you
papers from past OCR exam questions.
bring the subject to life and inspire your students to Higher Education (HE) with the aim of including up- through the new qualifications.
achieve more. All A level qualifications offered by OCR are accredited
by Ofqual, the Regulator for qualifications offered in
We’ve created teacher-friendly specifications based on England. The accreditation number for OCR’s A Level in Aims and learning outcomes
extensive research and engagement with the teaching Chemistry A is QN: 601/5255/2.
community. They’re designed to be straightforward
and accessible so that you can tailor the delivery of OCR’s A Level in Chemistry A specification aims to •• develop their interest in and enthusiasm for
the course to suit your needs. We aim to encourage encourage learners to: the subject, including developing an interest in
learners to become responsible for their own learning, further study and careers associated with the
•• develop essential knowledge and understanding subject
confident in discussing ideas, innovative and engaged. of different areas of the subject and how they
relate to each other •• understand how society makes decisions about
scientific issues and how the sciences contribute
•• develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation to the success of the economy and society (as
of the skills, knowledge and understanding of exemplified in ‘How Science Works’ (HSW)).
scientific methods
•• develop competence and confidence in a variety
of practical, mathematical and problem solving
skills
© OCR 2016 © OCR 2016
A Level in Chemistry A 1 2 A Level in Chemistry A
