A-Level Chemistry

Sixth Form

A-Level Chemistry

What Topics Will I Study?

Chemistry is designed to be taught by a content led approach. The course is flexible with the specification divided up into topics, each covering different key concepts in Chemistry. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and assessed both through written papers and the Practical Endorsement.

Year 12

  • Development of Practical Skills
  • Foundations in Chemistry
  • Periodic Table & Energy
  • Core Organic Chemistry

Year 13

  • Physical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry & Analysis
  • Practical Endorsement

Optional Units

Year 12

At the end of Year 12 you will take two, 1½ hour papers covering content from topics 1-4, each paper worth 50% of the marks. Both papers assess content from all 4 topics and have short answer (structured) and extended response questions, with Paper 1 also having multiple choice questions. These papers will be taken after the first year of study.

Year 12 Chemistry A Level Learning Journey

Year 13

You will take two 2¼ hour papers (each worth 37% of the marks) and a single 1½ hour paper (worth 26% of the marks) covering content from topics 1-6. The papers contain a mixture of synoptic assessment with multiple choice, short answer (structured) and extended response questions. In addition, Papers 1 and 2 contain multiple choice questions. Students will have a teacher-assessed practical endorsement (reported separately to the A-Level grade). These papers will be taken after the second year of study and only the grades for these exams will count towards the A-Level qualification.

Year 13 Chemistry A Level Learning Journey

What Grades do I Need at GCSE Level?

To study Chemistry at A-Level you will need to have achieved the entry requirements for the Sixth Form. For Chemistry these will include a grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry (Higher Level) or equivalent in the Combined Science course and a minimum of a grade 6 in Maths and grade 5 in English Language.

What Other Subjects Should I Study?

Chemistry complements A-Levels in Biology, Physics, Psychology, Business Studies and Maths.

What About Choices After A-Levels?

You can study Chemistry and know you are keeping your options open and you will find that Chemistry is highly regarded in many manufacturing and consumer based industries such as plastics, pharmaceuticals and food.

Further Information

If you would like further information on any aspect of A-Level Chemistry, please contact: Mr M Middleton (Head of Science): mmiddleton@idsall.shropshire.sch.uk

Exam Board: OCR

Scroll to Top