A-Level Chemistry

Chemistry is the central science underpinning and complementing much of Biology and Physics. From looking at reaction mechanisms and pathways to calculating equilibrium constants it will challenge and develop your problem solving abilities. Chemistry will help you learn how to piece together answers given different information skills vital to solving many of today’s problems from tackling the climate emergency to developing new treatments and medicines. Furthermore, it is highly respected and well regarded A-level that will unlock careers and further studies in a huge array of fields from finance to medicine. Studying Chemistry unlocks many doors to whatever you would like to do in the future.

The department takes part in and prepares students for the Chemistry Olympiad. There is a popular weekly clinic after school supporting students in their studies.

1) Development of Practical skills in chemistry.

2) Foundation in chemistry.

3) Periodic table and energy.

4) Core organic chemistry.

5) Physical chemistry and transition elements

6) Organic chemistry and analysis.

Assessment is 100% exam based. There are three exams in total at A-Level, with some multiple choice questions. The content on the papers is split as follows:

Paper 1 – Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Paper 2 – Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6.

Paper 3 – All modules.

The exams also cover practical knowledge and students can be awarded a ‘Practical Endorsement’ as evidence that the can confidently and competently carry out investigations and experiments.

Students must have achieved five strong passes (at least Grade 5) at GCSE level, including:

• English Language to at least a Grade 5;
• a Grade 7 in the separate Chemistry or a minimum of Grade 7-6 in Trilogy/Combined Science with a Grade 7 average on your Chemistry papers;
• Maths should also be a minimum of Grade 6 at GCSE.