The A-level qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and process skills in GCSE.  To understand Chemistry students will need to know a number of facts and understand the basic principles derived from these facts and apply this knowledge to everyday situations.

The course integrates theory and practical work, which are developed at different levels throughout the course.  Students will need to be able to communicate effectively, research and think critically about chemical problems.  Students should be aware that there is a huge ‘jump’ from GCSE to A-level and that to do well requires them to work very hard and independently.

Chemistry is fundamentally an experimental subject.  The course provides numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students with the essential practical skills they need.   Furthermore, a rich diet of practical work is essential to develop students’ manipulative skills and understanding of the processes of scientific investigation.  

Practical assessments are divided into those that can be assessed in written exams and those that can only be directly assessed whilst students are carrying out experiments.  Overall, at least 15% of the marks in the papers will relate to practical work.  A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level.  This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams.

The A-level chemistry course should inspire, nurture students’ passion for chemistry and lay the groundwork for further study in courses such as chemistry, medicine, pharmaceutical studies, biomedical science, chemical engineering, dentistry and veterinary science.