Chemistry

GCSE Chemistry grade 6 or above (or Combined Science grade 6‑6)

GCSE Maths grade 6

GCSE English Language grade 4 or above

At least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above

The A-level course is divided into three areas with year 2 topics building on those taught in year 1.

Physical chemistry:

Year 1

Atomic structure, Amount of substance, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc, Oxidation, reduction and redox equations.

Year 2

Thermodynamics, Rate equations, Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems, Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells, Acids and Bases

Inorganic Chemistry

Year 1

Periodicity, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals, Group 7 (17) the halogens

Year 2

Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides

Transition of metals

Reactions of ions in aqueous solution

Organic chemistry

Year 1

Introduction to organic chemistry, Alkanes, Halogenoalkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Organic analysis

Year 2

Optical isomerism, Aldehydes and ketones, Carboxylic acids and derivatives, Aromatic chemistry, Amines, Polymers, Amino acids, proteins and DNA, Organic Synthesis, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Chromatography

The course is tutored by well-qualified Chemistry specialists who aim to stimulate interest in and enjoyment of Chemistry and to foster imaginative, logical and critical thinking.

You'll regularly apply your knowledge through practical experiments and investigations, helping you understand the relationship between theory and real-world chemistry.

The course is tutored by well-qualified Chemistry specialists who aim to stimulate interest in and enjoyment of Chemistry and to foster imaginative, logical and critical thinking. The course integrates theory and experimental work, developing analytical and manipulative skills. Students are encouraged to develop scientific communication skills through research, discussion and written work. Alongside the exam grade, student certificates will also show if they have achieved the Practical Endorsement. This is a pass/fail mark generated from their practical skills and portfolio of practical work.

Methods of Assessment

Students will sit three written exam papers at the end of the course each lasting 2 hours. During the course students will complete a range of practical activities. Some skills will be assessed by teacher observation in class and teacher marked practical reports. The remaining skills will be assessed within the written exams.

Modern, fully equipped chemistry laboratories

Specialist Chemistry teachers

Digital textbooks and online learning platforms

Practical and exam revision resources

There are no required additional costs. Optional revision guides or enrichment activities may involve a small cost.

Chemistry works particularly well with:

Biology

Maths

Physics

Psychology

We’ll help you choose subject combinations that support your future goals.

Chemistry A Level supports progression into:

Chemistry, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy

Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

Biomedical Science and Environmental Science

Laboratory‑based careers and science apprenticeships

Students are advised to take part in college-run STEM activities and belong to the college BioMed group. They are encouraged to apply for Access to Bristol and to enter the international RSC Chemistry Olympiad and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. Visits have also been organised to the Universities of Bristol and Bath Departments of Chemistry for talks and demonstrations.

Students have progressed to university to study courses such as Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, Pharmacology, Chemical Physics, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Chemical Engineering and Education.