How we got on with the AS in 2001:
report from Pate's Grammar School, Cheltenham

What we like most is the really useful end-of-topic questions, and the wider variety of compounds in Topic 1. We also liked using the Halesowen CD-Rom videos of the practicals.

The greatest challenge has been being swamped by large numbers of year 12 students which is costly in books and makes practical supervision difficult.

Our students have had a brighter, clearer course in some ways, but a heavy workload especially for those with only double award GCSE.

Looking ahead to A2 we expect to have to re-cover organic fundamentals we had to rush through to meet exam deadlines. We regret the loss of azo-dyes, a favourite practical.

A lady from Edexcel assured us at an Oxford meeting in June 1999 "You will be surprised at how simple the AS exams will be." She was wrong and we're glad to have taught the AS to the same standard as the old A-level.

Celia Douse, Pate's Grammar School