What You Will Study
A Level chemistry is made up of three broad topics:
- Physical chemistry: The nature of substances, how they react and behave, and how we can control this.
- Organic chemistry: The study of carbon-based substances, including those in living systems.
- Inorganic chemistry: Properties of elements and simple compounds and their patterns of behaviour.
During this course students will develop your practical skill, using a variety of specialist equipment in our dedicated Chemistry laboratory. A wide range of practicals are covered, designed to meet the requirements of the Practical Endorsement, develop understanding of practical applications and to support theory studied.
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How You Will Be Assessed
You will have two classes per week to cover the theory with various activities taking place within that time such as practicals, lectures with regular Q&A, peer tutoring using white boards and quiz games.
Throughout the course, your level of attainment will be gauged by regular tests and homework assignments. You will also build up a lab book of practicals completed, showing your competency to plan practicals, carry out a method safely, record and analyse data. This will be graded as pass/fail. Mock exams will take place at the halfway and pre-exam points to give an overall reflection of your progress as a whole whilst the main graded exams will be at the end of the course.
At the end of the A Level you will sit three papers (2 hours each):
Paper 1 - 105 marks counting for 35%. Topics include Inorganic Chemistry with relevant Physical Chemistry and some practical skills.
Paper 2 - 105 marks counting for 35%. Topics include Organic Chemistry with relevant Physical Chemistry and some practical skills.
Paper 3 - 90 marks counting for 30%. Topics include all practical skills and a general selection of all A level content.
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Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4, including English Language and Grade 6 in Maths.
PLUS
Dual Science at Grade 6/6.
OR
Separate Sciences, Grade 6 in Chemistry.
If you do not study either A Level Biology or Mathematics alongside A Level Chemistry, there is an expectation that you take Core Mathematics in Year 1 of your A Levels.
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Further Study
A Level Chemistry provides knowledge and development of transferrable skills, including problem solving, teamwork and research, to prepare students for further study and a range of careers. This includes careers in engineering, science research, environmental sciences, medicine and pharmacology.
The majority of our students progress onto a relevant university degree.
It is also highly valued for entry to the following: Medical Sciences, Zoology, Environmental Studies and Engineering (civil, mechanical or aeronautical).
Chemistry is regarded as a 'facilitating subject' which will increase your chances of progression to a Russell Group University.
