Chemistry A-level

Combine rigorous theory with practical applications to real life when you study A-level Chemistry. This course gives you an insight into the role of a professional chemist and the contribution chemistry makes to society. It can lead to a range of university courses including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy or pharmacology, physics and biological or chemical sciences.

This is an excellent course if you are looking to study science at university including biochemistry, physics, biology and medicine. If you have a strong maths background and enjoy learning about how everyday substances around us are made, this course is for you. You also develop essential skills in numeracy, logical thinking and practical experimentation. You will need at least a grade B in GCSE Chemistry and a grade C in GCSE Maths to study this course.

You will be following the OCR specification

First Year (AS)
• Atoms, Bonds and Group
• Chains, Energy and Resources
• Practical Skills in Chemistry 1

Second Year (A2)
• Rings, Polymers and Analysis
• Equilibria, Energetics and Elements
• Practical Skills in Chemistry 2

You learn in a variety of ways, typically through discussion, group work, independent study, traditional essays, reading and research tasks. There is a balance between challenge and support. You play an active part in your learning and there is a strong focus on your individual learning needs.

Classes take place over four days a week between 9am and 5pm. We expect our students to be fully committed to their studies and attend all timetabled sessions. In addition, you have the opportunity to attend trips and visits according to the needs of individual subjects. There are many enrichment opportunities, enabling you to extend your learning beyond the bounds of your chosen subjects.

Formal assessment is through examinations and (in some subjects) coursework. The examination periods are in May/June. There is a range of regular assignments, essays and class based assessments to help you develop your study skills for the next educational step. Individual learning targets are set each term and you receive regular feedback on your progress in meeting these targets.

You develop the skills necessary for further academic study, such as strong report writing, essay writing and study skills, including presentation skills.

You also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment, including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time. You benefit from individual support, including clear advice about higher education and careers.

6 x C grades at GCSE. This must include grade C in GCSE English Language, grade BB in GCSE Double Science (or Chemistry B) and grade C in maths.

With three A-levels the possibilities are endless. You can progress to higher education to study a variety of different subjects at degree level. A-levels also offer a high standard of education which many employers require as part of their entry criteria onto training programmes. With an A-level in chemistry you can progress to higher education to study a range of courses at university including medicine, veterinary science, chemistry, biology, biochemistry and biomedical science. You could also find employment in a laboratory.

There is a £25 course fee for materials. You will also need a scientific calculator, general stationery and the core textbook:

OCR AS Chemistry A Student Book and Exam Cafe CD-ROM (OCR A Level Chemistry A)