Students who choose to study Chemistry at Key Stage 5 follow the OCR Chemistry A level course.

The course is taught by chemistry specialist teachers in dedicated laboratories to facilitate the practical aspects of the course. A range of teaching methods are employed to support and meet all learners’ needs. Students will have the opportunity to extend their science skill set outside the classroom within the school.

The course is split into 6 teaching modules:

• Development of practical skills in chemistry
• Foundations in chemistry (atomic structure, moles and bonding etc.)
• Periodic table and energy
• Core organic chemistry
• Physical chemistry and transition elements
• Organic chemistry and analysis

Students sit three written examinations at the end of the course and complete a practical non-examination assessment that is reported separately to the examination grade:

• Paper 1 – Periodic table, Elements and Physical Chemistry is worth 37% of the final grade and covers content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5
• Paper 2 – Synthesis and Analytical Techniques is worth 37% of the final grade and covers content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
• Paper 3 – Unified Chemistry is worth 26% of the final grade and covers content from the entire course

Chemistry A level is a qualification that is respected by all employers and is directly relevant to many jobs in industry and medicine. It provides useful background knowledge for all science degrees but is essential if you wish to study chemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, chemical engineering, biochemistry and other similar courses. It is also a highly prized skill set if students are considering to study economics at university.

Click here to return to the Key Stage 5 Science page.