Chemistry A Level
Sometimes referred to as the central science, chemistry helps to connect physical sciences, like maths and physics, with applied sciences, such as biology. In fact, chemistry is all around us and an understanding of the subject can help to answer many simple questions about everyday life!
Chemistry helps you to develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It will encourage you to challenge ideas and show how you worked things out through logic and step-by-step reasoning. Chemistry often requires teamwork and communication skills too, which is great for project management.
A Level Chemistry is ideal if you enjoy studying the subject at GCSE and want to take it further. You should enjoy applying your mind to solving problems and have strong mathematical skills. It is often required by anyone considering a career in healthcare such as medicine and dentistry.
Curriculum Intent
Chemists will have the knowledge, skills and desire to understand and question the world around them.
What you will study
A Level Chemistry (AQA) covers physical, inorganic and organic topics, alongside practical skills.
Physical
- Atomic Structure
- Amount of Substance
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Kinetics
- Chemical Equilibria
- Oxidation and Reduction
- Thermodynamics
- Rate Equations
- Equilibrium Constant for Homogeneous Systems
- Electrode Potentials and Electrochemical Cells
- Acids and Bases
Inorganic
- Periodicity
- The Alkaline Earth Metals
- The Halogens
- Period 3 Elements and their Oxides
- Transition Metals
- Reaction of ions in Aqueous Solution
Organic
- Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Alkanes
- Halogenoalkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Organic Analysis
- Optical Isomerism
- Aldehydes and Ketones
- Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
- Aromatic Chemistry
- Amines
- Polymers
- Amino Acids, Proteins and DNA
- Organic Synthesis
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
- Chromatography
A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A Level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of your competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams.
How the course is assessed
- Three exam papers at the end of Year 13 each lasting 2 hours
- Twelve required practicals carried out throughout the course
- There is no coursework
Entry requirements
- Five subjects at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths
- Grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or Grade 6 in Combined Science. Grade 6 in Maths is also recommended
Why study A Level Chemistry at Windsor Sixth Form?
- High levels of attainment - 40% of students achieved a grade A*/A last year and 75% achieved a grade C or above.
- Small class sizes - Groups contain 8 students on average this year.
- Partnership with University of Birmingham - Opportunities to attend lectures and lab experience days.
- Outstanding progression - Most of our students go on to study healthcare or science related subjects at university.
Other courses that go well with A Level Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Geography
- History
- Business
- Law
What you can do after the course
Further study and apprenticeships
Many students at Windsor continue to study chemistry at university.
Examples of courses linked to chemistry include:
- BSc Environmental Chemistry
- BSc Biochemistry
- BSc Biomedicine
- BSc Biomedical Science
- BSc Forensic Science
- BSc Pharmaceutical Science
If you are considering an apprenticeship after studying A Level Chemistry, listed below are some examples of courses.
- Laboratory Technician
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Theatre Support Worker
- Gas Installation Engineer
- Polymer Production Technician
Careers
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Science
- Pharmacy
- Optometry
- Chemical Engineering
- Forensic Science
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Sciences
- Ecology
Where do our students progress to after the course?
Examples of where our students have progressed to include:
- Pharmacy at The University of Wolverhampton
- Optometry at Aston University
- Biochemistry at The University of Birmingham
- Paramedic Science at The University of Worcester
- Biology at The University of Exeter
- Early Childhood Education at Newman University
Student success stories
- Student 1 achieved a grade A* in chemistry last year and is now studying mathematics at Durham University
- Student 2 achieved a grade A in chemistry last year and is now studying medicine at The University of Birmingham
- Student 3 achieved a grade B in chemistry last year and is now studying law at The University of Essex