The gap between GCSE and 'A' level is quite wide. Do bear this in mind if you are considering Chemistry as an 'A' level, and discuss it with your teacher - s(he) will help you decide if Chemistry is right for you. 

Nevertheless, it may be instructive for you to know that the top 20 universities hold a Chemistry 'A' level in the highest esteem, as it implies that a student who passes this difficult subject has the intelligence to deal with all the complex concepts that form the basis of a good degree.

At 'A' level, students are expected to build on areas of the curriculum they covered in Year 11. To be ready, therefore, you should use the summer break to secure your knowledge in the following topics.

• Atomic Structure
• Chemical Bonds
• Ionic and Covalent Structures
• Rates of Reaction
• Reversible Reactions
• Equations & Formulae
• Calculations & the Mole
• Trends in Reactivity
• Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions
• REDOX REactions
• Acids & Bases
  

You could use your GCSE notes and course material alongside the websites below to create, for example, 'cue cards' and concept maps. These will form a useful reference when we start AS Chemistry in September.

Useful links:

• Useful revision notes at S-cool.
  
• Use the BBC Bitesize Chemistry pages to revise & test yourself.
  
• Doc Brown's site has lots of notes on the above key topics for AS preparation.
  
• Calculations! 'AS' Chemistry students are expected to carry out a number of calculations. The good news is that, with practise, these become easy. You will find it VERY helpful to visit this page, read the notes, then do the quizzes. The only way to get good at calculations is to do lots of them!
  
• If you want to know what you'll be studying in September, you can view the syllabus here.
• Good luck!