Chemistry
Introduction
Studying chemistry at A-Level gives an understanding of how matter interacts and the role that elements play in making up our world and beyond. Studying chemistry at a-level also helps students see the relevance of science beyond the laboratory and develop their analytical, evaluative and synoptic skills. A further appreciation of how science works is also developed to help students make informed decision on issued such as climate change.
A successful student in chemistry has to be competent in many skills including practical, mathematics conceptualising ideas. It is therefore a highly regarded A level by both Universities and employers.
Year 12 2023/2024 – AQA
Please click here for the specification and past papers, teaching materials, and vocabulary lists etc, supplied by AQA.
Subject Content
Exam structure
AS and A level Chemistry will be linear qualifications; assessments for each qualification will now take place at the end of each course. AS will be a stand-alone qualification, meaning it will not form part of students’ A level grades. However, the content of the AS is included in the A level content, to allow the two qualifications to be co-taught. There will be no coursework elements in AS and A level Chemistry. Instead, students will be required to complete a number of core practicals which cover specific skills and techniques.
Practical skills will now be assessed in two ways: investigative skills, and knowledge and understanding of some core practicals will be assessed in AS and A level exams and contribute to students’ overall grades. Teacher assessment of students’ competency when completing practical work will count towards the separate Practical Endorsement at A level (this does not contribute to the overall grade but does need to be passed).
Click here to view a summary of the exams, at the bottom of the page.
Year 13 2023/2024 – EdExcel
Please click here for the specification and past papers, teaching materials, and vocabulary lists etc, supplied by Edexcel.
Subject Content
Exam structure
AS and A level Chemistry will be linear qualifications; assessments for each qualification will now take place at the end of each course. AS will be a stand-alone qualification, meaning it will not form part of students’ A level grades. However, the content of the AS is included in the A level content, to allow the two qualifications to be co-taught. There will be no coursework elements in AS and A level Chemistry. Instead, students will be required to complete a number of core practicals which cover specific skills and techniques.
Practical skills will now be assessed in two ways: investigative skills, and knowledge and understanding of some core practicals will be assessed in AS and A level exams and contribute to students’ overall grades. Teacher assessment of students’ competency when completing practical work will count towards the separate Practical Endorsement at A level (this does not contribute to the overall grade but does need to be passed).