A-Level Chemistry
A-Level Chemistry
Course Level – 3
Course Type – A-Level
Specific Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 5 including English and Maths with GCSE Double Science grade (6-6) or Triple Science (6-6-5) with Chemistry being grade 6.
Duration – 2 Years
Student Age – 16-18
About The Course
The course consists of 4 modules in the first year a further 2 modules in the second year. You will learn a mixture of Physical and Organic Chemistry in both years, both being at the cutting edge of new technology.
Practical skills are an essential part of chemistry education and you will be working towards getting your practical endorsement certificate throughout the year.
Chemistry is all around us, from the clothes you wear, to the new smart materials that have a “memory” of their shape. To bring this to life, your teachers will arrange visits to extend your understanding.
Our students frequently visit universities such as Queen Mary, UCL and the University of London for masterclasses on spectroscopy. Students will also have a chance to enter regional competitions for Analytical Chemistry hosted by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
How Is The Course Taught?
Lessons are taught in an interactive style. Students are expected to participate in different activities such as group and pair work, peer and self-assessment and practical chemistry investigations. These will involve discussions with your fellow students and your teacher to enable you to come to a deep understanding of the concepts involved in chemistry.
How will I be Assessed?
You will be assessed throughout the year through a series of formative assessment methods, including mock exams and end of year progression assessments, to check you are keeping pace and understand the content taught.
At the end of two years, you will sit 3 externally set examinations: Paper 1 Physical Chemistry (37% weighting); Paper 2 Analytical Chemistry (37% weighting); Paper 3 Unified Chemistry (26% weighting).
To achieve the endorsement, you must successfully complete all PAGs, which are practical experiments with differing skill sets. This demonstrates to universities that you are competent in the laboratory.
What does it lead to?
On completion of this course, you are likely to move onto university to study a science-based degree.
An A-level in Chemistry is required for occupations such as a Dentist, Pharmacist and Chemical Engineer. Salaries in this field range between £31,000 to £63,000.
This course can also lead you to a range of higher-level apprenticeships in the polymer production, gas, pharmacy and laboratory industry sectors.
