At A-level we follow the AQA specification which is split into 6 modules, 3 in AS and 3 in A2. Again, practical work is a major component of what we do and as an A-level chemist you can expect to be working in a lab every week.
Many students study Chemistry for the love of the subject and some require it as a mandatory qualification into disciplines such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Pharmacy. It can also be used as a basis for a career in Forensic Science, Chemical Engineering, Archaeology and Finance/Management as well as being a respected A-level in its own right.
Photo left: Dr. B Young, Head of Chemistry)
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and process skills inherent in GCSE or IGCSE Chemistry. It is expected that you will have achieved at least a Grade C in Chemistry at this level.
The qualification integrates theory and relevant practical work, which are developed at different levels throughout the course. You will need to be able to communicate effectively, as well as research and think critically about chemical problems.
What will I learn on this A Level course?
- Stimulate and sustain your interest in, and enjoyment of, Chemistry
- Enable you to gain a knowledge and understanding of Chemistry appropriate to AS/A Level GCE and to appreciate the inter-linking patterns which are a distinguishing feature of the subject
- Show the inter-relationship between the development of the subject and its application (social, economic, environmental and technological) and recognise the value of Chemistry to society and how it may be used responsibly
- Develop your skills in laboratory procedures and techniques
- Develop your ability to acquire knowledge by means of practical work
- Provide opportunities for you to bring together knowledge of how different areas of Chemistry relate to each other
What kind of student is this qualification suitable for?
This qualification is suitable for students who:- Have an interest in, and enjoyment of Chemistry
- Enjoy carrying out investigation by the application of imaginative, logical and critical thinking
- Want to use Chemistry to support other qualifications or progress on to further studies in Chemistry
What examinations will I have to take to get my qualifications?
The Advanced GCE is made up of three AS Units, plus three more units studied at a higher level known as A2.
Advanced Subsidiary (AS)
Unit 1: Foundation Chemistry (33⅓% of the AS:16⅔% of the total A-level)
Unit 2: Chemistry in Action (46⅔% of the AS:23⅓% of the total A-level)
Unit 3: Practical (20% of the AS:10% of the total A-level)
This module is composed of internally assessed practical work.
Advanced GCE
The Advanced GCE is made up of the three AS units, plus three more units studied at a higher level. These three units are known as A2
Unit 4: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry (20% of the total A-level)
Unit 5: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry (20% of the total A-level)
Unit 6: Practical (10% of the total A-level)
This module is composed of internally assessed practical work.
How can I develop my full range of skills by doing this qualification?
As well as covering AS and A level study of Chemistry, this course will enable you to develop some Key Skills. The Key Skills you can develop during this course are:
Taking part in discussions on topical issues and preparing written documents for practical work.
Application of Number
Planning to collect results from experiments and presenting them in a suitable format.
Carrying out calculations on the data collected in experiments and interpreting the results from experiments.
Information Technology
Planning and designing a spreadsheet to support your experiments, being able to select a suitable graphical format to show trends and patterns in your data.
In recent times we have had a student go on to read Chemistry at Oxford and another went to Cambridge to read Veterinary Science.
In the department we also offer extra curricular opportunities for learning and enjoyment of the subject. We have a popular Chemistry club and out of school we attend the Salter's Festival of Chemistry and the Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench competition. For sixth Formers we encourage participation in the International Olympiad.