A-Level Chemistry

Chemistry has overwhelmingly improved our quality of life. Pharmaceuticals, textiles, semiconductors, composites, healthcare products, detergents and personal care products are some examples without which our lives would be radically different. A-Level Chemistry is taught via a stimulating combination of lessons, practicals and self-study exercises.

• In the first year, you will look at foundations of chemistry; which included atomic structure and bonding. Other modules include the periodic table, energy and organic chemistry. In addition to this you will develop your practical skills. Parts of these practical skills are set by the exam board and will always complement the theory taught.

  In the second year you will study the above and physical chemistry, transition elements and some spectroscopic analysis. You will further develop your practical skills, some of which form part of the practical endorsement that will appear on your certificate.

You will need at least 4 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above. Students must also have achieved English Language at Grade 4 or above and a Grade 6-5 in Core & Additional Sciences and Grade 5 in Maths OR if doing separate Sciences Grade 6 in Chemistry, Grade 5 in one other Science & Grade 5 in Maths.

A-Level Chemistry is externally assessed at the end the two years of study, via three exams. Two of which are 2 hours and 15 mins and each contribute 37% of the final grade. The third exam is 1 hour and 30 mins and contributes the final 26% of the grade. 

Reported separately as a pass or fail is an endorsment of your practical skills.

It is likely that you will want to go onto further study at university. An A-Level in Chemistry could help you to get a place on a wide variety of science based degree courses. Chemistry is essential for medicine, pharmacy and environmental science but it is also a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of professions. Alternatively, it may help you straight into the world of work or some work based further training.