A-Level in Chemistry

Students can take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses which could lead onto Higher Education in Science-related subjects or more general Higher Education courses.

Chemistry is normally an essential A-level for many degree courses including medicine and dentistry.

The A-level Chemistry course covers a broad range of topics. The main modules studied are;

• Physical Chemistry - To include atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics and equilibria.
• Inorganic Chemistry - To include periodicity, Group 2, Group 7, and Transition metals.
• Organic Chemistry - To include many of the common organic groups, organic analysis and optical isomerism.

• Component 1: Paper 1 Physical and inorganic chemistry written exam - 35%
• Component 2: Paper 2 Organic chemistry written exam - 35%
• Component 3: Paper 3 All content, practical and synoptic chemistry written exam – 30%

Practical endorsement appears on a student’s A-level certificate as a separately reported result. Practical endorsement is assessed by teachers and is based on direct observation of a student’s competency in a range of skills.

For all Sixth Form courses, students must have five GCSE (or equivalent) passes at Grades 9-4. For this course this must include Mathematics at a Grade 5 or above and English Language/Literature at a Grade 4 or above. Students should also have EITHER a minimum of grades 6-6 in GCSE 'Trilogy Combined Science' OR a minimum of Grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry (separate sciences).

If you would like to study a combination of more than one of Maths, Further Maths (double option), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, there are additional entry requirements with regards to GCSE Average Points Score (APS).

If you would like to study a combination of more than one of Maths, Further Maths (double option), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, there are additional entry requirements with regards to GCSE Average Points Score (APS). Further details can be found in the Options Booklet on our website: https://www.ashbyschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/OPTIONS-BOOKLET-2025-2026-1.pdf

Chemistry is usually an essential A-level for careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and veterinary science. Other possible careers include chemical engineer, biochemist, forensic scientist, materials technologist, airline pilot, nurse, oceanographer and environmental health officer.