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  • A Level Chemistry

    A Level Chemistry

Course Summary

The A Level Chemistry course has been designed to be a practical experience, with students undertaking both practical and theory work. The practical activities included will help the students to consolidate their understanding of the main aspects of Chemistry and equip them with the skills required to study this subject at higher levels.

The course is designed to prepare students for progression either into higher education or employment and to develop their interest and enthusiasm in Chemistry. Students will study, amongst many topics, aspects of Chemistry that are often seen in the media or that affect their lives; including reaction rates, pharmaceuticals and climate change. It also aims to help the students to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how Chemistry contributes to the success of the economy and society, developing a deeper understanding of 'How Science Works' and how areas of the subject relate to each of us and to the world around us.

Careers / Progression

Success in A Level chemistry paves the way for many and varied possible progressions. It is also a very useful A Level for continuing onto a wide variety of different higher education courses. Past students have gone onto many varied science degrees including biochemistry, medical science aerospace engineering.  A few of the many careers that a chemistry A Level could lead to are pharmacology, research and development forensic science and engineering, as well as law, journalism and education.

Entry Requirements

Grade 6/6 in Combined Science or grade 6 in Chemistry. Grade 6 in Maths

Examination Board

Year 12 AQA; Year 13 OCR

Assessment

AQA Paper

Percentage
of course

Content

Paper 1
2 hours

35%

  • Relevant physical chemistry topics 
  • Inorganic chemistry 
  • Relevant practical skills

105 marks of short and long answer questions

Paper 2
2 hours

35%

  • Relevant physical chemistry topics
  • Organic chemistry
  • Relevant practical skills

105 marks of short and long answer questions

Paper 3
2 hours

30%

  • Any content
  • Any practical skills

40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis
20 marks of questions testing across the specification
30 marks of multiple choice questions

Careers / Progression

Success in A Level chemistry paves the way for many and varied possible progressions. It is also a very useful A Level for continuing onto a wide variety of different higher education courses. Past students have gone onto many varied science degrees including biochemistry, medical science aerospace engineering.  A few of the many careers that a chemistry A Level could lead to are pharmacology, research and development forensic science and engineering, as well as law, journalism and education.