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Chemistry

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Chemistry is the science which looks at how all matter is composed, what its properties are and how it reacts and interacts with other matter.

It helps you to understand how reactions can be used to form new substances, how easily and quickly they can be made and how you can analyse and identify them.

Sometimes described as the ‘hidden science’, Chemistry is not always recognised but its influence is felt in every aspect of our lives, e.g. clothing, food, fuels, building materials, cosmetics (from simple cleaning materials to expensive perfume), plastics, recycling, medicines and new technologies - all of these have their development rooted in Chemistry.

We teach Chemistry with the aim of inspiring a student:

  • Who wants a career in Chemistry;

  • Whose career demands a high Chemistry grade (e.g. Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Chemical Engineer etc.);

  • Who wants to know more about how our world works;

  • Who just loves the subject and simply wants to know more.

Entry Criteria

6 in GCSE Chemistry (or 6:6 in Combined) and 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

Companion Subjects

Biology

Physics

Mathematics

Computer Science

Business

Psychology

Career Paths

  • Chemical Engineer

  • Medicine

  • Dentistry

  • Pharmacy

  • Forensic Science

  • Pharmacology

  • Biotechnology

  • Toxicology

 

Curriculum Content 

Subject Intent

A-Level Chemistry is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and prepare our students for an exciting future in science. Whether you're aiming for a career in healthcare, engineering, research, or just love solving problems, this course helps you develop the knowledge and practical skills to make sense of the world around you. We focus on bringing chemistry to life, encouraging students to ask questions, work collaboratively, and think critically. By the end of the course, students will not only be ready for exams but also for the challenges and opportunities of university and beyond.

Course Overview

Year 12 (AS content)

  • Module 1: Development of Practical Skills – learning how to plan and carry out experiments safely and effectively.
  • Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry – the building blocks of chemistry, including atoms, bonding, and equations.
  • Module 3: The Periodic Table and Energy – exploring patterns in the periodic table and the energy changes in reactions.
  • Module 4: Core Organic Chemistry – understanding the structure, naming, and reactions of key organic molecules.

Year 13 (A2 content)

  • Module 5: Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements – delving deeper into how and why reactions happen, and the unique behaviour of transition metals.
  • Module 6: Organic Chemistry and Analysis – more advanced organic chemistry and how we can use spectroscopy and analysis to identify substances.

Practical work is central throughout the course, giving students a chance to build confidence in lab skills while earning the Practical Endorsement.

Assessment

Students sit three written exams at the end of Year 13 and complete a practical endorsement:

  • Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry – 2h 15m (37%)
  • Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques – 2h 15m (37%)
  • Paper 3: Unified chemistry – 1h 30m (26%)
  • Practical Endorsement: a non-exam assessment showing practical competence

Homework & Independent Study

We encourage our students to take ownership of their learning. Weekly homework might include exam-style questions, revision tasks, research, or practical write-ups. There are also plenty of online tools and resources to support independent study, and we’re always happy to help students find extra practice if they need it.

Enrichment Opportunities

Beyond lessons, we offer plenty of ways to bring chemistry to life:

  • Practical workshops and lab sessions
  • Guest speakers from universities and industry
  • Chemistry Olympiad and other competitions
  • Trips to universities or science centres
  • Support sessions and revision workshops

We also encourage students to keep up with science in the news and take an interest in how chemistry affects the world around them.

Where Can Chemistry Take You?

Chemistry opens doors. From medicine and dentistry to environmental science, pharmacology, and engineering, it’s a subject that’s highly valued by universities and employers alike. This course builds strong analytical, practical, and problem-solving skills that are useful in many careers — even outside science. Whatever your goals, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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