A level Chemistry

Our core entry requirements are six or more GCSEs at grade 5+, including 5+ in English literature, language and mathematics. There are also subject-specific criteria for some subjects as detailed on our websites linked below.

Entry requirements on the Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form website

Entry requirements on the Jane Austen College website

Our application process takes place completely online through our dedicated application website here. Following your application to join us from Help You Choose, we'll contact you

Chemistry is a practical subject and the development of practical skills is fundamental to understanding the nature of chemistry. At Sir Isaac students are given many opportunities to develop the expertise needed to collect and analyse empirical data. Important skills are developed: writing chemical formulae, constructing equations and calculating chemical quantities using the concept of amount of substance. The role of acids, bases and salts in chemistry is investigated, and the central role of electrons in ionic and covalent bonding is studied. Students explore periodic trends to extend their understanding of structure and bonding. Group properties are studied using Group 2 and the halogens as typical metal and non-metal groups allowing students to further develop their understanding of redox reactions. The importance of organic chemistry in everyday life is explored, placing chemistry in context.

Assessment at the end of Year 13 takes the form of three written papers, one of which is a synoptic paper covering content from two years of A level study. The practical endorsement is assessed in school and awarded on a pass/ fail basis. It does not contribute to the final A level grade.

Higher tier GCSE chemistry grade 5 or higher tier combined (trilogy) science grades 5,5

For entry to the school overall, you will need six or more GCSEs at grade 5+ including maths, English literature and English language