501594-switching-to-ocr-chemistry-a-gce-from-ocr-chemistry-b-
salters
Switching to OCR A from OCR B (Salters)
Introduction
We are really excited about our GCE Chemistry A qualification. Whether taking
on the AS Level or the full A Level, this fantastic course is a great qualification for
those with an interest in the subject. Why choose Chemistry A?
Building on our existing popular course, the specification was updated in
consultation with teachers, higher education, learned societies and
industry.
The ‘Big Ideas’ of chemistry are arranged in topics that underpin the
knowledge and understanding needed for the next generation of
chemists.
Chemistry A is enjoyable to teach and learn, giving learners the essentials
for chemistry-related higher education courses as well as many
transferable, marketable skills.
The chemical topics are presented in a clear and logical linear order, with
maths and How Science Work opportunities clearly highlighted, allowing
you flexibility in how to approach the teaching.
There are many highlighted opportunities for hands-on practical work,
linking to our flexible practical assessment model.
Textbook comparison
We have not included a textbook comparison in this switching document as there
are a number of textbooks available for Chemistry A and Chemistry B, and the
order and organisation of content within these textbooks can vary. However,
similarities in content mean that it is possible to use any textbook for the core
content of either qualification. The specification can be used to identify relevant
content, as well as that which is not required for a specific qualification. If you
need further clarification on any specific content, you can email our Subject
Advisor team at .
Version 1 © OCR
1 2018
,Support from OCR
We offer a range of support to teachers of our qualifications. This includes:
A dedicated Subject Advisor team, with teaching and assessment
experience, available to answer your queries and support your delivery
of our qualifications. You can contact us by email at
or by phone on 01223 553998.
Monthly newsletters highlighting new resources, CPD courses, and other
news about our qualifications.
An online scheme of work builder which helps you create a bespoke
scheme of work using the extensive range of resources we have provided
for each specification.
A wide range of support materials, including handbooks covering
practical and mathematical skills, delivery guides, lesson elements,
practical activity suggestions, candidate exemplar resources, and more.
Free access to ExamBuilder, our mock assessment service that allows you
to create your own bespoke assessments.
Termly regional Science Teacher Networks, giving you the opportunity to
meet with other teachers and our Subject Advisors.
CPD courses, including courses for teachers new to teaching our
qualifications and courses on outcomes from previous examination series
to help inform your teaching.
OCR Community, a forum to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas
with other teachers, as well as a place to follow updates from our Subject
Advisor team. You can also follow and interact with our Subject Advisors
on Twitter (@ocr_science).
Version 2 © OCR
1 2018
, Key similarities
OCR Chemistry A (H032/H432) OCR Chemistry B (Salters) (H033/H433)
Practical skills take centre stage, detailed in full at the start of the
specification in a separate module for clarity and prominence.
Flexible practical assessment that allows you to use your own practical activities
or select from our range of fully-detailed suggested activities. Our suggested
activities are common to Chemistry A and Chemistry B, so you don’t have to
make any changes to the practicals you’re using.
Extensive support for mathematical skills development, with linking of skills in
the specification and a dedicated Mathematical Skills Handbook.
Clear labelling and organisation of the learning outcomes in the specification.
Fewer marks in the AS and A Level assessments compared to other exam
boards’ qualifications, giving learners more time to develop their answers.
(AS 140 marks in 180 minutes; A Level 270 marks in 360 minutes)
Version 3 © OCR
1 2018
salters
Switching to OCR A from OCR B (Salters)
Introduction
We are really excited about our GCE Chemistry A qualification. Whether taking
on the AS Level or the full A Level, this fantastic course is a great qualification for
those with an interest in the subject. Why choose Chemistry A?
Building on our existing popular course, the specification was updated in
consultation with teachers, higher education, learned societies and
industry.
The ‘Big Ideas’ of chemistry are arranged in topics that underpin the
knowledge and understanding needed for the next generation of
chemists.
Chemistry A is enjoyable to teach and learn, giving learners the essentials
for chemistry-related higher education courses as well as many
transferable, marketable skills.
The chemical topics are presented in a clear and logical linear order, with
maths and How Science Work opportunities clearly highlighted, allowing
you flexibility in how to approach the teaching.
There are many highlighted opportunities for hands-on practical work,
linking to our flexible practical assessment model.
Textbook comparison
We have not included a textbook comparison in this switching document as there
are a number of textbooks available for Chemistry A and Chemistry B, and the
order and organisation of content within these textbooks can vary. However,
similarities in content mean that it is possible to use any textbook for the core
content of either qualification. The specification can be used to identify relevant
content, as well as that which is not required for a specific qualification. If you
need further clarification on any specific content, you can email our Subject
Advisor team at .
Version 1 © OCR
1 2018
,Support from OCR
We offer a range of support to teachers of our qualifications. This includes:
A dedicated Subject Advisor team, with teaching and assessment
experience, available to answer your queries and support your delivery
of our qualifications. You can contact us by email at
or by phone on 01223 553998.
Monthly newsletters highlighting new resources, CPD courses, and other
news about our qualifications.
An online scheme of work builder which helps you create a bespoke
scheme of work using the extensive range of resources we have provided
for each specification.
A wide range of support materials, including handbooks covering
practical and mathematical skills, delivery guides, lesson elements,
practical activity suggestions, candidate exemplar resources, and more.
Free access to ExamBuilder, our mock assessment service that allows you
to create your own bespoke assessments.
Termly regional Science Teacher Networks, giving you the opportunity to
meet with other teachers and our Subject Advisors.
CPD courses, including courses for teachers new to teaching our
qualifications and courses on outcomes from previous examination series
to help inform your teaching.
OCR Community, a forum to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas
with other teachers, as well as a place to follow updates from our Subject
Advisor team. You can also follow and interact with our Subject Advisors
on Twitter (@ocr_science).
Version 2 © OCR
1 2018
, Key similarities
OCR Chemistry A (H032/H432) OCR Chemistry B (Salters) (H033/H433)
Practical skills take centre stage, detailed in full at the start of the
specification in a separate module for clarity and prominence.
Flexible practical assessment that allows you to use your own practical activities
or select from our range of fully-detailed suggested activities. Our suggested
activities are common to Chemistry A and Chemistry B, so you don’t have to
make any changes to the practicals you’re using.
Extensive support for mathematical skills development, with linking of skills in
the specification and a dedicated Mathematical Skills Handbook.
Clear labelling and organisation of the learning outcomes in the specification.
Fewer marks in the AS and A Level assessments compared to other exam
boards’ qualifications, giving learners more time to develop their answers.
(AS 140 marks in 180 minutes; A Level 270 marks in 360 minutes)
Version 3 © OCR
1 2018
