Search this Site:

A Level Chemistry

Choose A Level Chemistry at St Edmund’s College and expand your understanding of the world that surrounds us.

Chemistry holds the answers to some of the biggest questions we face as a society, from treating disease with new medicines, to developing sustainable energy solutions and driving agricultural innovation.

Enrichment opportunities at St Ed’s include:

 

  • Chemistry lectures in London (A-Level Chem Live!)
  • Chemistry Olympiad
  • GlaxoSmithKline work experience opportunities
Head of Department Miss M Towns BSc (UWE)
Syllabus OCR

 

A Level Chemistry covers six topics:

  • Topic 1: Development in practical skills in chemistry
  • Topic 2: Foundations in chemistry
  • Topic 3: Periodic table and energy
  • Topic 4: Core organic chemistry
  • Topic 5: Physical chemistry and transition metals
  • Topic 6: Organic chemistry and analysis

In the first year of study topics 1-4 will be studied.

During the second year of study, all topics will be studied, in preparation for assessment.

 

Assessment

Rhetoric I (Year 12)

There will be various assessments throughout the year.

The papers may include multiple choice, short responses, calculations, and extended writing questions. They will include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental work.

Following the internal assessment in June, students begin work on year 2 material, and have an opportunity to complete independent research.

Rhetoric II (Year 13)

During the second year of study, all topics will be studied. This section of study assessment is broken by three papers:

  • Paper 1 – 37% (2.25 hours written) – Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry

This paper will examine all of the topics

  • Paper 2 – 37% (2.25 hours written) – Synthesis and analytical techniques

This paper will examine all of the topics

  • Paper 3 – 26% (1.5 hours written) – Unified chemistry

This paper will examine all of the topics. All three of the papers may include multiple choice, short responses, calculations, and extended writing
questions. The paper will include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding on experimental work.

Future pathways

Chemistry A Level is a necessary requirement for a number of degree courses including medicine, veterinary science, forensic science, dentistry, physiotherapy, biological sciences, pharmacy and environmental science.

Chemistry can also provide a breadth of skills for application to law and business-related degrees.