Why study A level chemistry?
Chemistry is an exciting STEM subject that can lead to many career possibilities and is an essential A level for students wishing to pursue a career in medicine. Many students progress onto university and become doctors, pharmacists, dentists and forensic scientists.
During the course, you will take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as the Chemistry Cambridge Challenge, Chemistry Olympiad, and the chance to be a chemistry ambassador to support students in lower years. You will also have the opportunity to attend trips to see the application of chemistry in the wider world.
Course type: A level
Board: OCR
Head of department: Mr R Buttinger
Entry requirement: Grade 7 (double) or grade 6 (triple) in GCSE chemistry; grade 7 GCSE maths; five grade 5s at GCSE including English
| Componenet | Content | Assessment |
| Year 12 | Introduction to foundational concepts in physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry; practical work supports theoretical content | Delivered through teacher-led lessons, lab work, independent research and problem-solving activities |
| Year 13 | Builds on year 12, introducing more complex topics and practical techniques; emphasis on application and analysis across chemistry strands | Three written exams at the end of year 13; practical skills assessed via written papers and endorsement |
| Practical endorsement | Ongoing assessment of 12 required practical activities throughout the two-year course | Reported separately alongside A level grade. Not included in grade weighting |
Topics covered
Year 12
- Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Foundations in chemistry (atomic structure, bonding, formulae, equations)
- Periodic table and energy (group trends, enthalpy, rates)
- Core organic chemistry (alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, haloalkanes, organic synthesis)
Year 13:
- Physical chemistry and transition elements (equilibria, pH, redox, complex ions)
- Organic chemistry and analysis (aromatics, carbonyls, esters, NMR, chromatography)
