A Level Chemistry

Applications Open - 1st November 2026

Applications Close - 12th February 2027

Entry Requirements - Please refer to the Sixth Form Course Directory via the website www.knoleacademy.org

Option blocks and detailed subject information can be found in our course directory on our website www.knoleacademy.org

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

Level 3 Courses - select a minimum of 3 courses to study

Level 2 Courses - select 1 course only as each course is studied on a full time basis.

A-Level Chemistry develops students’ understanding of the substances that make up our world and the reactions that transform them. Students study the structure of matter, chemical bonding, energy changes, reaction rates and the chemistry of carbon compounds, whilst developing practical and analytical skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.

The course combines theoretical knowledge with experimental work, encouraging students to think logically, solve problems, use mathematical skills and apply scientific principles to real-world situations.

Paper 1: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry

Key topics include:

• Atomic Structure

• Amount of Substance

• Bonding

• Energetics and Thermodynamics

• Acids and bases

• Redox Reactions

• Electrode Potentials and Electrochemical Cells

• Periodicity • Group 2 Metals

• Halogens

• Period 3 Elements

• Transition metals

• Chemical Equilibria

This paper develops an understanding of how chemical principles explain trends and reactions across the Periodic Table.

Paper 2: Physical and Organic Chemistry

Students will study:

• Rates of Reaction

• Organic Chemistry Fundamentals

• Alkanes, Alkenes and Halogenoalkanes

• Alcohols • Aldehydes and Ketones

• Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives

• Aromatic Chemistry

• Amines • Polymers

• Amino Acids, Proteins and DNA

• Organic Synthesis

• NMR Spectroscopy and Chromatography

Students learn how organic molecules behave, how they can be identified and how chemists design multi-step synthetic pathways.

Paper 3: Synoptic Chemistry and Practical Skills

This paper examines content from across the entire specification and includes:

• Practical techniques

• Data analysis

• Experimental design • Application of knowledge across multiple topics

• Multiple-choice questions covering the whole course

The paper encourages students to make links between different areas of Chemistry and apply their understanding in unfamiliar contexts.

Students complete three externally examined papers at the end of Year 13. There is also a Practical Endorsement which is reported separately and assessed throughout the course.

Paper 1 – 2 hours and 105 marks – 35% of the A Level

Paper 2 – 2 hours and 105 marks – 35% of the A Level

Paper 3 – 2 hours and 90 Marks - 30% of the A Level

Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths. Grade 6 or above in GCSE Chemistry (or combined science) and GCSE Maths

Medicine

• Pharmacy

• Dentistry

• Veterinary Science

• Biomedical Science

• Research

• Food Science

• Teaching

• Environmental Consultancy

• Forensic Science