A-Level Chemistry

Board: AQA

Course Entry Requirements:

A grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or a 6/6 Combined Science GCSE and a 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

General Course Description:

In year 12 the chemistry course builds on fundamental concepts in chemistry already studied at GCSE.  Students gain a much greater and detailed insight into the structure of an atom, kinetics, bonding, the periodic table and carbon chemistry; alkanes and alkenes.

In year 13 students extend their knowledge and apply their skills, tackling thermodynamics, electrode potentials, rate equations and organic chemistry in relation to polymers and DNA and the transition metals.

We complete a wide range of practical work to help develop the practical skills needed to undertake a science related degree at university level.  The course includes practical endorsement for which students carry out 12 required practicals, and are assessed by their class teachers.

Career Pathways:

There are many careers which can be pursued with an A-Level in chemistry, there are many courses at university that traditionally require an A-Level in chemistry such as medicine, veterinary science, dentistry on a compulsory basis. Other degrees that can be undertaken include pharmacy, chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmaceutical science, medicinal science, tropical medicine, immunology and biotechnology. Many degrees in healthcare fields see an A-Level in chemistry as an advantage including nursing, midwifery, healthcare science and radiography. Degrees in environmental science, cyber security, aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence and nuclear science will all find an a-level in chemistry advantageous. There are also other non-science courses that an A-Level in chemistry are useful for; these include law, accountancy and teaching.