Chemistry A Level

Please note that applications to the sixth form close on Wednesday 14th January 2026. If you wish to make an application after this date please contact the sixth form office at office@derehamsixthform.norfolk.sch.uk or call 01362 696884.

For more information about a place at Dereham Sixth Form College for September 2026, please visit the website - www.dsfc.org.uk

Course Instructions

Most students will choose the equivalent of 3 A Levels but in some circumstances a maximum of 4. These are subjects that will continue for the full two years. Select only one subject from each option block (choosing more than 1 course from the same block will delay your application as courses from each block are timetabled at the same time). All courses are equivalent to 1 A Level except where specified differently below.

Dereham Education & Soccer Academy Including BTEC Diploma in Sport (equivalent to three A Level subjects, no other subject choices required).

If your choice of subjects are not available due to limitations of the blocks, please email us with the details: office@derehamsixthform.norfolk.sch.uk

Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, properties and behaviour of matter. Chemistry studies the atom and the ways in which interactions between atoms are related to the properties of chemical bonds formed between species. Chemists are concerned with the reactions between substances, their accompanying energy exchange and the laws that unite these phenomena.

Chemistry is often referred to as the central science joining together physics, mathematics, biology, medicine and the earth and environmental sciences. We aim to develop essential understanding of the concepts in chemistry and the skills needed to apply these in new and changing situations. Most laboratory-based jobs benefit from a chemistry qualification and success at Chemistry A Level is viewed as a clear indication of high academic ability. This makes it an excellent subject when applying to university and students with an A Level in Chemistry have gone on to study a wide range of subjects – chemical engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, environmental science, accountancy, law and banking, to name a few.

Chemistry is a popular and well-resourced subject. The quality of teaching and support students receive are reflected in consistently good results.

We follow the OCR A specification, a course which combines an effective balance of knowledge, understanding and practical skills.

Year One

In the first year you will study some key areas of chemistry to provide a firm foundation for further study:

Minimum 66555 including 6 in Chemistry (or Combined Science) and 5 in Mathematics.

Destinations of some of our A Level Chemistry students:

• Chemistry at York University
• Geography at the University of Cambridge
• Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey
• Veterinary Science at the University of Cambridge
• Mathematics at the University of Nottingham
• Law at Warwick University

Popular careers:

Medicine; Biomedicine; Chemical Engineering; Pharmacology; Forensics; Education; Law; Biochemistry; Veterinary Science.