CHEMISTRY
a level
Course Overview
The course covers all the key concepts of Chemistry. As students progress through the course they will build on their knowledge of the foundations of Chemistry, and apply this knowledge to help them understand key concepts regarding the Periodic Table, Organic and Physical Chemistry.
There is a strong emphasis on practical skills and the Practical Endorsement will also support the final qualification. Grades obtained at the end of the two year course are based on three exams: Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry and The Periodic Table; and Unified Chemistry which is a synoptic paper testing a range of topics covered over the two years.
welcome Video
Target Audience
Students who have enjoyed GCSE Science and have a natural interest in Chemistry would be best suited to the course. Students who are considering careers in Medicine or Veterinary Science should also take Chemistry. Well-motivated and organised students will be the most successful. This course also relies on Maths skills and therefore an interest in Maths is also desirable. An A-Level in Maths would compliment this course but this is not essential. Extended writing skills are not essential.
Year 12 Units
Foundations in Chemistry
In this unit you will consolidate your knowledge from GCSE. You will study atomic structure, chemical calculations, titration along with electrons, bonding and shapes of molecules
Periodic Table and Enegy
In this unit you will develop your knowledge of the periodic table considering periodic trends and changes in reactivity. Followed by exploring enthalpy, reaction rate and equilibrium
Core organic Chemistry
In this unit you will learn about different organic molecules. You will study molecules with a variety of different functional groups and start to develop a toolkit of various chemical reactions that can be applied in organic synthesis.
Year 13 Units
Physical chemistry and transition elements
In this unit you will learn about rates of reactions, equilibrium, pH, neutralisation, enthalpy, entropy, redox and transition metal elements.
Organic chemistry and analysis
In this unit you will learn about aromatic chemistry, carbonyl chemistry, amines, amino acids and polymers. In addition you will learn how to develop a synthetic organic route and how to analyse different substances through techniques such as NMR.
sample lesson
Student testimonials
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Support sessions
Chemistry study support runs twice a week, this is on a Wednesday and Thursday after school.
This is an opportunity to come and ask questions and get further support with areas of the course.
Higher Education Progression Routes
Degree in chemistry
Essential A-Levels: Chemistry along with another Science or Maths
Useful A-Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Biology
degree in medicine
Essential A-Levels: Chemistry, Biology and one from Maths or Physics
Useful A-Levels: Further Maths
degree in pharmacy
Essential A-Levels: Chemistry and one from Biology, Maths, Physics
Some of the other degrees that are possible with an A-Level in Chemistry include: Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science, Chemical Engineering, Dentistry, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Nursing/Midwifery, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Sports Science and Veterinary Science.
Future Careers
pharmaceutical industry
Working in the lab for a pharmaceutical company being involved at different stages of drug development.
Doctor or Dentist
If you want to make a difference to peoples lives by becoming a doctor or dentist a background in Chemistry will help you to achieve this.
Forensic scientist
Use a variety of analytical techniques to help identify substances and support with evidence from crime scenes.
Destinations
Here are some some examples of destinations that students have progressed onto after studying this subject at Sixth Form:
Geophysics - Leeds University
Biomedical Science - Surrey University
Medicine - Southampton University
Pharmacology - Bath University
Adult Nursing - Cardiff University