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).