Chemistry

Department:

Science

Type of Qualification:

A Level

Exam Board:

AQA

Requirements:

2 x Grade 6 GCSE in any of the Sciences and a Grade 6 in Mathematics is recommended

Course Content

A Level Chemistry at St Philip Howard follows the AQA specification and is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of Chemistry, preparing them for further studies and careers in fields such as medicine, engineering, environmental science, and research. This two-year course builds on the knowledge gained at GCSE, introducing more complex concepts and encouraging students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills.

Practical work is a key component of the AQA A Level Chemistry course. Students will complete a variety of experiments that develop their analytical and laboratory skills. These practicals are assessed throughout the course and contribute to the practical endorsement, which is reported alongside the final A Level grade.

Course content

The AQA A Level Chemistry course is divided into three main areas:

Physical Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry

Style Of Assessment

Paper 1:

Inorganic and physical chemistry with practical skills
2 hours – 105 marks
35% of A Level

Paper 2:

Organic and physical chemistry with practical skills
2 hours, 105 marks
35% of A Level

Paper 3:

All content and practical skills
2 hours – 90 marks
30% of A Level

Whose kind of course?

A Level Chemistry is a highly respected subject that opens doors to a wide range of university courses and career options. It provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing science-based degrees, including medicine, pharmacy, biochemistry, and chemical engineering. The course also fosters valuable transferable skills such as logical reasoning, numerical analysis, and independent research, making it an excellent choice for students with a passion for science and problem-solving.

Stretch and challenge – Aiming for A*

We constantly set challenging problems to ensure that the most able students have the best opportunity to achieve the highest grades.

Career Prospects

Forensic Chemistry, Medicine, Biochemistry, Banking, Teaching, Pharmacy, Environmental Science, Government / Private research organisations, Engineering, Medicinal and Industrial Chemistry.