Qualification: A-level

Exam Board: AQA

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths and Grade 6 or above in GCSE Chemistry or Grade 6-6 or above in GCSE Combined Science.

Watch our video about chemistry a-level

Hands-on lessons taught by subject specialists

Chemistry touches every aspect of our lives from the bodily functions within us to the atmosphere around us. This course is for students who want to understand this and the physical universe better.

Our teaching staff are chemistry specialists, aiming to inspire all students to enjoy the subject and achieve their best, regardless of ability. High quality marking, feedback, exam preparation and planning next steps all support students’ progress.

We have excellent practical resources and technical support, allowing teachers to incorporate practical work into lessons whenever possible, over and above the ‘required practicals’ of the curriculum.

The course

Physical chemistry is the study of the physical structure of chemical compounds. You’ll explore how chemicals react with one another and the bonds that hold them together. Physical chemistry is used in everyday life whether that’s baking or in medicinal fields.

Inorganic chemistry is concerned with the properties and behaviour of inorganic compounds, which include metals, minerals, and organometallic compounds. Typically, an inorganic compound is a chemical compound that lacks carbon-hydrogen bonds. Inorganic chemistry is used to study and develop catalysts, coatings, fuels, surfactants, materials, superconductors, and medicines.

Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry that studies the structure, properties and reactions of organic compounds, which contain carbon in covalent bonding. These structurally diverse compounds vary from naturally occurring petroleum fuels to DNA and the molecules in living systems. Many of these compounds are used as drugs, medicines and plastics.

Specific topics include:

• Atomic structure
• TOF mass spectroscopy
• Amount of substance
• Bonding
• Energetics
• Rates
• Equilibria
• Redox
• Group 7
• Group 2
• Alkanes
• Alkenes
• Halogenoalkanes
• Alcohols
• Aldehydes
• Ketones
• Carboxylic acids
• Isomerism
• Aromatics
• Amines
• Polymers
• Amino acids
• Organic synthesis
• Nmrs
• Chromatography
• Thermodynamics
• Electrode potentials
• Acids and bases
• Transition metals
• Period 3 and their compounds

Beyond the classroom

Past activities have included:

• Science Week – wide range of speakers, competitions and events
• Royal Society science writing book judging panel
• Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Top of the Bench’ annual competition
• Sixth Form Journal Club
• STEM Challenge events
• Visit to the 'Big Bang' Fair
• ‘Student of the half-term’–rewards system to recognise and celebrate the achievements and progress of all students
• High quality textbooks loaned to students to help with independent work

Examinations and Assessment

• Paper 1: 2 hours, 35% of the marks
• Paper 2: 2 hours, 35% of the marks
• Paper 3: 2 hours 30% of the marks

Students need to complete all the required practicals in order to pass the practical endorsement certificate which is required to progress onto some science degrees. No marks are awarded for these practical skills, but students are asked questions on the required practicals in their written exams.

Progression

After A-level, students could go on to study chemistry at university which could then lead to a career as: analytical, formulation, medicinal or process chemist, biotechnologist, chemical engineer, environmental, food technologist, geochemical engineer, nanotechnologist, pharmacologist, science writer, scientific laboratory technician, teacher, toxicologist. 

There is a broad range of sectors for employment within organic chemistry, including industry, healthcare and research, and it can involve working in some ground-breaking areas of science and technology.