Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the world around you, the substances and materials that make it up and the transfers of energy and matter that occur between everything. Chemistry is an ever-evolving and exciting discipline in the Natural Sciences and helps drive our move to greener, more sustainable energies, finds replacements for products of crude oil, and is key in the development of new medicines. Not only will you acquire highly specialised skills and knowledge while studying A Level Chemistry, you will also learn how to apply that knowledge and develop your logical thinking. Chemistry is a fascinating subject with strong links to both Biology and Physics, but the study of Chemistry can also lead to careers in Law, Media and Archaeology.

The course has four main topic areas: physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and the practical skills. Each of the taught modules is divided into smaller sections which will give you a broad understanding in a range of key chemical areas such as enthalpy and entropy, rates of reaction, organic synthesis, atomic structure, mole calculations and chemical analysis.

You will be examined in three papers at the end of the course. Paper 1 includes relevant areas of physical chemistry such as the mole calculations and will largely focus on the inorganic topics. Paper 2 similarly contains relevant content from the physical chemistry topics but focuses more on the organic chemistry and analytical topics. Paper 3 is a completely synoptic paper which draws from all areas of the course and contains 40 marks on practical techniques and data analysis, 20 marks from across the specification and 30 marks of multiple choice questions.

Practical skills are a key part of Chemistry and form a crucial part of the A Level course. Key practical activities will be undertaken throughout the course and successful completion of these will earn you the practical endorsement, which, if you are planning to study a science, medicine or veterinary sciences at degree level, is a vital component. The CPAC criteria used for the practical endorsement are: 1) follow written procedures; 2) apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment; 3) safely use a range of practical equipment and materials; 4) make and record observations; 5) research reference and reports.

For more specific information on the A-level course visit the AQA website.

Admission to all of our Level 3 courses requires a minimum of five grade 4 GCSE passes; these must include at least grade 4 in Maths and English Language. Additionally, Grade 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science or 6 in GCSE Chemistry.