Length of Course

AS Level Chemistry: 1 year

A level Chemistry: AS plus (2nd year) A2, making 2 years in total.

Examination Board

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR)

Assessment Method and Component Percentages

In AS there are three examined components; Foundation Chemistry (30%), Chains and Rings (30%) and How far, How Fast (20%). The remaining 20% is an experimental skills assessment either by practical coursework or practical examination.
In A2, there is a compulsory unit called Chains and Rings which counts for 30%, and another called Trends and Patterns which counts for 15%. There is then a compulsory coursework component which comprises of 20%, and a further 20% being comprised of either a written examination about unifying concepts in chemistry or a practical examination. The remaining 15% is done through examination of one of five option modules. The options range from biochemistry and environmental chemistry through to gases, liquids and solids and transition elements.

Entry Requirements

A minimum grade of CC in double certificate science is recommended. There is also a degree of mathematical competence required by the course, and potential candidates should ideally have a grade C at Maths.

What you will learn

Through studying this subject you will acquire a broad knowledge of the ‘first principals’ governing the behavior of chemicals and materials. The course content will be placed into a wider context, looking at the role that chemistry has to play in the world around us, which may include industrial applications, environmental issues and simple day to day chemistry that concerns each and every one of us.  Such knowledge will enable you to discuss environmental, technological, economic and ethical issues with intelligence and authority. It will also equip you with the knowledge to formulate your own opinion, and analyse the validity of others’.

How You Will Learn

The course is highly structured, with the content being delivered through a variety of approaches including; practical work, discussion based group work, data analysis, normal class work, research, private study and continual oral and written assessment with feedback

Subject Expectations

A mature and responsible approach is required by all students who take this course. Students will be well supported by subject staff, but will also be expected to work independently and endeavor to overcome difficulties they have with particular concepts.

Career opportunities

An A-level science is a well respected qualification in most areas of employment, and as such there are numerous career opportunities for students leaving with an A-level in Chemistry, including; medicine and pharmacy, industrial chemistry, environmental officer . . to name but a few.

Allied subjects

Chemistry is the study of how matter behaves, and as such has an application to all the other sciences. From looking at the properties of materials in physics to understanding the acid-base properties of amino acids in biochemistry, the principals you study in this course are far reaching, and students who chose to follow a course of all three sciences will experience on a large scale how all three sciences complement each other.

Key Skills

This subject offers opportunities for students to develop the nationally specified Key Skills.  The development of student Key Skills enrich their program of study.  It will also allow them to gain acknowledged qualifications that is valued by employers and providers of higher education.  The main key skills, communication, Information Technology and application of numbers are available at Level 1,2 or 3.

Staff Contact

If you would like further details, please contact Mr M Collins, Head of Science or Mr N Collyer.