Chemistry - A Level

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Qualification:  A Level Chemistry

Exam Board:  OCR (Specification A - H432)

A Level Chemistry is a stimulating and rewarding course that helps you understand the substances that make up our world and how they interact. You will explore topics such as organic chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical reactions, while developing practical laboratory skills and analytical thinking. The course encourages problem-solving, precision and curiosity, making it an excellent choice for students interested in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, environmental science or a wide range of STEM-related degrees and careers.

Couse Content

The course is split into 6 modules.

  • Module 1: Development of practical skills in chemistry (integrated throughout).
  • Module 2: Foundations in chemistry (Atoms, Equations, Acid-base, Redox, Bonding).
  • Module 3: Periodic table and energy (Enthalpy, Rates, Equilibrium).
  • Module 4: Core organic chemistry (Alkanes, Alcohols, Haloalkanes, Spectroscopy).
  • Module 5: Physical chemistry and transition elements (Rate equations, pH, Entropy, Redox/Electrode potentials).
  • Module 6: Organic chemistry and analysis (Aromatic compounds, Polymers, Chromatography, NMR).

Assessment

Students sit three external written examinations at the end of Year 13:

1. Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry (2h 15m) – 37%

2. Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (2h 15m) – 37%

3. Unified Chemistry (1h 30m) – 26%

The Practical Endorsement is a non-exam assessment based on performance in 12 practical activity groups (PAGs) completed in class.

Entry Requirements

Entry is possible from both combined and separate science courses provided a minimum of a grade 7 is achieved.

For example, a 7:6 in combined Science, or a 7 in Chemistry and a 6 in another Science.

Extra Curricular Opportunities

  • Competitions: Participation in the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Olympiad and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (C3L6).
  • Academic Enrichment: Access to journals like Education in Chemistry and university-style lectures.
  • Leadership: Opportunities to become a Chemistry Subject Captain or lead "Chemistry Week" demonstrations for younger students.
  • EPQ: Research into fields like medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, or green energy.

Progression Post 18

The practical skills developed through this course are invaluable for higher level study in the sciences at university .

This qualification leads to a wide range of chemistry based degree courses, such as Medicinal Chemistry or Chemical Engineering as well as Medicine, Dentistry, Materials Science, Pharmacy, Biochemistry and lots more.

Careers

• Medicinal Chemist, Pharmacologist, and Toxicologist.

• Analytical Chemist, Forensic Scientist, and Geochemist.

• Chemical Engineer, Environmental Consultant, and Patent Attorney.

• Food Technologist, Materials Scientist, and Nanotechnologist.

• Biochemist, Clinical Scientist, and Research Scientist.

What our students say about this course

Year 13 student

"I've really enjoyed my time at Coombe Sixth Form and hope to study medicine at University. I'm currently studying Chemistry, Maths and Biology at A level. I've found Chemistry particularly interesting as you get to explore new ideas and relate them to the world around you. Also I've had the opportunity to be involved in Science Club, where we perform exciting experiments for the lower school students."

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