A Level
Course Overview
A Level Chemistry is the study of what everything is made of and how substances change through reactions, covering everything from the air we breathe to the medicines that keep us healthy.
Building on GCSE knowledge, the course explores deeper concepts such as atomic structure, bonding, reaction rates, equilibrium, and organic chemistry, while addressing real-world challenges like climate change.
Students develop strong analytical skills, practical laboratory expertise, and critical thinking, learning not just facts but how to apply them logically and creatively. At Sixth Form College, passionate teachers bring Chemistry to life through hands-on experiments and a supportive environment that fosters confidence and curiosity. With a strong track record of results, the course prepares students for further study and careers in Medicine, Veterinary Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Forensic Science, and beyond. Challenging yet rewarding, A Level Chemistry is ideal for anyone curious about how the world works and eager to develop problem-solving skills essential for science and healthcare fields.
ASSESSMENT
- Exams: 100%
- Awarding Body: OCR
COURSE CONTENT
Year 1 (AS Level Content):
- Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry, Practical skills assessed in the lab and planning, recording results, analysing data, evaluating procedures.
- Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry, Atomic structure and isotopes, Compounds, formulae and equations, Amount of substance (the mole), Acid–base titrations, electronic structure and bonding and Shapes of molecules and intermolecular forces.
- Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy, The periodic table and periodicity, Group 2 and Group 7 elements, Enthalpy changes, Rates of reaction and equilibrium (intro) and Exothermic and endothermic reactions.
- Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry, Introduction to organic chemistry and naming compounds, Alkanes, alkenes, haloalkanes, alcohols, Organic synthesis and analytical techniques (IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry).
Year 2 (A Level Content)
- Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements, Reaction rates and equilibrium (advanced), Acids, bases and buffers, Lattice enthalpy and entropy, Redox reactions and electrode potentials and Transition metals and their chemistry
- Module 6 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis, Aromatic compounds (benzene), Carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones), Carboxylic acids and derivatives, Amines, amino acids, proteins, and DNA, Polymers and synthesis and Organic analysis (NMR spectroscopy).
Assessment includes:
- Three written exams at the end of the second year
- Practical Endorsement – a separate certificate based on lab work across the course
BEGIN – IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?
A Level Chemistry is perfect for curious students who enjoy asking how and why things work – from why ice floats to how batteries power our world. To succeed, you’ll need confidence with maths and problem-solving, a solid foundation in GCSE Science, and an eye for detail when analysing data or balancing equations. If you loved Chemistry at GCSE, enjoy hands-on practical experiments, and can explain your ideas clearly, this subject will challenge and inspire you.
BELONG – WHY STUDY THIS WITH US?
At the Sixth Form College, Chemistry is more than a subject – it’s an experience! You’ll learn in modern science labs, developing practical skills through real experiments that bring theory to life. Our expert teachers use innovative approaches and provide tailored support to help you reach your goals, whether that’s Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Engineering, or another STEM pathway.
You’ll also benefit from enrichment opportunities, such as the MDV (Medicine, Dentistry & Veterinary) Society, MEC (Maths, Engineering & Computing) Society, university taster days, and links with local employers. With excellent facilities, outstanding support, and strong results, you’ll gain not just knowledge, but the skills and confidence to stand out.
BEYOND – WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?
Chemistry is a facilitating subject highly respected by top universities and employers, making it one of the most versatile A Levels you can study. It’s essential or highly recommended for degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, and Engineering, and is equally valued in areas like Law, Finance, and Environmental Science.
If you prefer to earn while you learn, Chemistry also leads to higher and degree apprenticeships with world-leading employers such as AstraZeneca, GSK, and Unilever, in roles like Laboratory Technician, Chemical Science Technician, Science Manufacturing Scientist, or Environmental Practitioner.
Whether you dream of saving lives, tackling climate change, designing new materials, or driving scientific innovation, A Level Chemistry gives you the knowledge, credibility, and real-world skills to make it happen.
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