AS/A Level GCE (for first teaching in 2008) Chemistry B (Salters) - H035 H435

Notice

Update to specification

The specification for this qualification has been updated. Vertical black lines indicate a change to the previous printed version. Changes can be found on pages 43, 52, 61, 69, 70, 71, 72 and 76.

Popular documents

View all documents

PDF icon

Specification (updated February 2008)

PDF, 387 Kb
PDF icon

Specification - Appendix B

PDF, 60 Kb
PDF icon

Datasheet (updated 26 February 2009)

PDF, 229 Kb
PDF icon

Guide to what has changed

PDF, 340 Kb
PDF icon

Notice to centres - Revised versions of the specification

PDF, 16 Kb
Zip icon

Specimen assessment materials - All units

Zip, 2724 Kb

View all documents associated with this qualification.

View all documents

Overview

Chemistry B (Salters) was first examined in 1992 as a new concept project examination. In contrast to the traditional ‘topic-based’ approach, Chemistry B (Salters) is ‘context-led’. Chemical concepts are introduced within a relevant context, the course being written as a series of units based on contemporary issues in Chemistry. Students study the chemistry in a spiral way so that chemical ideas, introduced in an early topic, are reinforced later. The ‘drip-feed’ approach to teaching and learning chemical principles allows candidates to revisit a particular topic several times during the course, each time taking their knowledge and understanding a step further.

Benefits to you and your learners of teaching this qualification

  • This specification has been developed in consultation with University of York Science Education Group, the Royal Society of Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline and a large variety of teachers in OCR Centres throughout the country.
  • It is the only A level Chemistry specification based on a complete course package, with integrated course books and activity sheets designed at the same time as the specification
  • This specification is uniquely different from other A Level specifications because:
    • It starts from applications and develops the theory as required
    • It introduces chemical topics in one unit and then re-visits them in later units, so that student learning has a chance to mature and is then reinforced
    • All external units in the examination ask all the questions in context
    • There is an Advance Notice article included in an AS unit which can be studied, researched and discussed by students well in advance of the unit test.
    • A2 students undertake a four-week Chemical Investigation of their own choice.
  • There is a back-up service available from University of York Science Education Group.

Ask a question

Do you have a question that is not covered here and needs subject specialist knowledge? If so please get in touch with our Customer Contact Centre.