Qualification: A-level

Exam Board: AQA

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths and Grade 6 or above in GCSE Chemistry or Grade 6-6 or above in GCSE Combined Science.

 

Watch our video about chemistry a-level

 

Hands-on lessons taught by subject specialists

With extremely strong results over the past decade, our Chemistry Department brings a passion and commitment that provokes very positive feedback from students.

Our teaching staff are specialists in Chemistry, aiming to inspire all students to enjoy the subject and achieve their best, regardless of ability. High quality marking and feedback support students’ progress.

We have excellent practical resources and technical support, allowing teachers to incorporate practical work into lessons whenever possible–well beyond the ‘required practicals’ of the curriculum. We consistently support students to achieve excellent outcomes; in 2022, 80% of students achieved A*, A or B grades. Our experienced team have the confidence to guide students in both exam preparation and planning their next steps.

 

The course

Physical chemistry is the study of bulk properties of materials and how particles interact with each other. Physical chemistry involves the study of atomic structure, chemical bonding, mole calculations, energetics, rates, equilibria, redox, acids and bases, thermodynamics and electrochemistry.

Inorganic chemistry involves the study of all substances excluding most carbon compounds. Inorganic chemistry includes understanding the trends in the Periodic Table, the properties and reactions of group 2 and group 7 elements. Trends in the properties of Period 3 elements and oxides and transition metal chemistry.

Organic chemistry is the study of nearly all carbon compounds, many of which are essential for living systems and medicines. Organic chemistry involves the study of alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, aromatic compounds, acyl chlorides, polymers, amino acids, enzymes, proteins and DNA. You will also learn about isomerism, nomenclature, chromatography, mass spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy.

Chemistry is required in numerous careers including pharmacy, chemical engineering, environmental science, medical sciences, health care and food science.

 

Beyond the classroom

Past activities have included:

• Science Week–wide range of speakers, competitions and events
• Royal Society science writing book judging panel
• Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Top of the Bench’ annual competition
• Sixth Form Journal Club
• STEM Challenge events
• Visit to the 'Big Bang' Fair
• ‘Student of the half-term’–rewards system to recognise and celebrate achievements and progress of all students
• High quality textbooks loaned to students to help with independent work

 

Progression

Our students progress onto a wide range of courses at universities, including Oxbridge. Chemistry can lead to careers in chemical sciences, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, biological sciences, engineering and environmental sciences.

Some will also go onto non-science related courses and careers–such as accountancy–where their achievements in science A-levels have served to develop key skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Many undergraduate courses are very happy to recruit students who have been successful in their science A-levels as these courses are known to be difficult. Students will have excellent study skills and the ability to rise to academic challenge beyond school.