Chemistry A Level

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - Thursday 20th August 2026.

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: - Minimum 4 GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above to study BTEC or vocational courses; 5 GCSE passes at 4 and above to study A level/BTEC combination; 5 GCSE's at Grades 5 and above to study straight A Levels.

*Please note there may be subject specific entry requirements which also need to be met.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications via email will not be accepted.

A-level Chemistry

OCR Syllabus A

Studying Chemistry at a higher level aims to encourage learners to develop:

• essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other

• a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods

• competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills

• an interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers

• an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society

Year 12 (AS):

Module 1 – Practical Skills in a written examination– Planning, Implementing, Analysis and Evaluation.

Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry – Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations, Amount of substance, Acid-base and redox reactions, Electrons, bonding and structure.

Module 3 – Periodic Table and energy – The periodic table and periodicity, Group 2 and the halogens, Qualitative analysis, Enthalpy changes, Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative).

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry – Basic concepts, Hydrocarbons, Alcohols and haloalkanes, Organic synthesis, Analytical techniques (MS and IR).

Year 13 (to complete the A level):

Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements – Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative), pH and buffers, Enthalpy, entropy and free energy, Redox and electrode potentials, Transition elements.

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis – Aromatic compounds, Carbonyl compounds, Carboxylic acids and esters, Nitrogen compounds, Polymers, Organic synthesis, Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR).

For students doing the full 2 year A level course:

H432/01 – Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (Modules 1,2,3,5) 100 marks in 2 hours 15 minutes = 37% of A level

H432/02 – Synthesis and analytical techniques (Modules 1,2,4,6) 100 marks in 2 hours 15 minutes = 37% of A level

H432/03 – Unified chemistry (Modules 1-6) 70 marks in 1 hour 30 minutes = 26% of A level

H432/04 - 12 PAG tasks are internally assessed to gain a Practical Endorsement.

Five GCSE 9-4 grades or equivalent

6:5 in Combined Science GCSE as a minimum

6 in Pure Chemistry GCSE is desirable.

Chemistry makes our world more colourful, more efficient, more reliable and safer. Pharmaceuticals, synthetic fabrics, dissolving stitches and brake fluid are all chemical products. Chemistry is essential for students who wish to study medicine and related subjects. Other careers linked to chemistry include – Forensics, Environmental Science, Healthcare, Nursing, Pharmacology, Clinical biochemistry, Chemical engineering, Toxicology, Research scientist, Teacher, Ocean scientist. There are many science degrees available at university from pure chemistry to joint honours such as Ocean Science (chemistry with geography) or Archaeological chemistry (chemistry with history).