A Level Chemistry
A Level Chemistry will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry. It covers the key concepts of chemistry and practical skills are integrated throughout the course, giving an appealing combination of academic challenge and practical focus.
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
- Excellent lecturer support
- Small class sizes
- New laboratories
- Links to STEM careers
- Enrichment opportunities
Supportive, specialist staff
The chemistry team are friendly, supportive, hardworking and committed to helping you s쳮d. Reaching your potential in this subject relies heavily on your attendance, punctuality and commitment to learning and revision, and acting on advice given by your lecturer.
Practical Focus
Practical lectures will enable you to develop confidence in working experimentally, as well as increasing your knowledge and skills regarding scientific method, data analysis and the presenting of data.
Enrichment Activities
Our students have access to a wide range of enrichment activities, including competitions such as the RSC Schools Analyst Competition, the RSC Chemistry Olympiad and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. Students interested in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science also have the opportunity to take part in our very popular Medics’ Academy.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
If you enjoy the study of the substances that make both us and our surroundings, then chemistry is the subject for you. Chemistry is everywhere: in the food we eat and the water we drink, from the clothes we wear and our mobile phones to the medicines that keep us healthy. During this course, you will learn about chemistry in a range of different contexts and the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. You will learn to investigate and solve chemical problems in a range of contexts, truly making A Level Chemistry a challenging and interesting course.
Chemistry is truly the “central science”. New breakthroughs in fields such as genetics, biochemistry, medicine and pharmacy, materials science (including nanotechnology), forensics, the environment and next generation computer hardware are all driven by chemistry. Emphasis throughout the course is on developing your knowledge, competence and confidence in practical skills and problem solving, together with enhancing your understanding of key chemical ideas and how they link to each other.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
A Level Chemistry is an academic course designed to increase your knowledge, skills and understanding of the chemistry and related sciences and support your ability to apply that knowledge to solve problems. The course is studied as part of a programme of A Levels and has both theory and experimental components to the course.
You will study through theory and experimental based lectures, meeting new concepts and applying them to a range of situations. You will develop your problem solving and mathematical skills, as well as understanding of a range of diverse topics, and there will be a clear focus on how to apply your understanding to solve problems of increasing complexity. There is an emphasis on the application of mathematics within the course and how it can be used to explain the world around us.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Studying Chemistry provides you with many skills such as problem solving, communication, creativity, and teamwork; hence chemistry students are much sought after and pursue careers in many exciting fields of work including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, applied sciences and engineering. Chemistry is a highly respected A Level that is valued for most degree subjects.
If you want to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or veterinary science you will need A Level Chemistry. However, an understanding of chemistry is desirable for a variety of university courses including geology, environmental science, and materials science.
Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods:
You will be assessed through end of topic tests under timed conditions in class, regular homework questions and through completion of class activities. You will then be given detailed feedback on your progress.r
Investigative skills and understanding are a vital part of the scientific process and you will be expected to develop your practical proficiency throughout the course.
You will review your own performance in 1:1 sessions with your tutor.r
You will undertake mock examinations on each unit in advance of your final exams.
You will sit formal A Level exams at the end of your two years of study. A Level grades will be based only on marks for written exams, and your practical endorsement will be assessed separately as pass or fail.
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including at least Chemistry Grade 6 or Combined Science Grades 66, English Grade 5 or a Humanities subject Grade 5, and Maths Grade 6.
You will be expected to undertake at least 4-6 hours of independent study time per week. Throughout the year you will be able to access additional support through Chemistry Clinic drop-in session, dedicated revision workshops, tailored 1:1 provision, as well as a variety of additional opportunities to stretch and challenge the most able students. We encourage you to proactively engage with the support available in order to reach your full potential.
Our chemistry staff at the college are a highly experienced team who focus on delivery of chemistry-based content in the 16-19 curriculum. We help to engage students and nurture their enthusiasm of the subject whilst also giving all learners the support they need to achieve on the course. We are also very keen to offer students the opportunity to engage in stretch and challenge activities, such as Olympiad competitions, and to support our students to make rewarding progression to higher education, work-based training or employment. Students benefit from access to a modern chemistry laboratory, as well as a staff team with substantial expertise within the teaching of chemistry at this level.
