A Level Chemistry
You will learn about advanced chemistry concepts, across physical, inorganic and organic chemistry topics and how this can be applied to a range of real-life applications. You will also develop your experimental skills and how to apply your knowledge to solve real-life problems.
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
- Excellent lecturer support
- Fantastic enrichment opportunities
- Exceptional facilities
- Great links to STEM careers
Friendly and 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.
Highly structured delivery
Our course delivery is highly structured to ensure you have a holistic understand of the course and its assessment from the start of your time with us. You will have a clear understanding of your progress in the subject, and regular assessments and detailed lecturer feedback to support you to further improve.
Enrichment activities
Our students have access to a wide range of enrichment activities, including competitions such as the RSC Schools Analyst Competition and the RSC Chemistry Olympiad. 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 a subject you should consider. 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. Chemistry is truly the “central science”. 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. All this makes A Level Chemistry a challenging and interesting course.
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. Chemistry is a fascinating and fundamental subject. You will study many topic areas; each will allow you to explore a topic containing different key concepts. Once the features of a chemical topic have been developed, you will consider the applications and relevance to everyday life. Examples of topics you will study in the first year include the study of fundamental areas such as organic chemistry, energy, quantitative chemistry and chemical bonding. In the second year these topics are studied in more depth and new areas introduced such as C13 NMR spectroscopy. A variety of teaching methods are used with an emphasis on practical experimentation.
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. 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.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
If you want to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or veterinary science, then A Level Chemistry is essential. However, an understanding of chemistry is desirable for a variety of university courses including geology, environmental science, and materials science. Chemistry students are much sought after and can pursue careers in many exciting and varied fields of work.
Studying chemistry provides you with many skills such as problem solving, communication, creativity, and teamwork.
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.
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.
Investigative skills and understanding are a vital part of the scientific process and you will be expected develop your practical proficiency throughout the course.
You will review your own performance in 1:1 sessions with your tutor.
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.
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 drop-in sessions, 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.
