Chemistry A Level

Applications Open: 21st November 2025 (9.00am)

Applications Close: 13th February 2026 (4.00pm)

How to apply:

- All INTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Applicaa using this link (coming soon!)

- All EXTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Kent Choices using this link https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

- All correspondence between learners and the school after an application is made will be via Applicaa.

- All applicants (internal and external) will be invited in for a 1-1 guidance meeting.

- Those who have a successful guidance meeting will be offered a place to study at St John's Sixth Form from September 2026.

Why choose Chemistry?

Chemists get to ask some great questions, from “If I set this on fire what will happen?” to “If I combine these elements together in the right way can I create something totally new”?

Chemists get to do some seriously cool stuff – and it's all part of the job

Chemists conduct experiments to study how elements work in different conditions, test how they mix, and work out what they are made up of right down to the tiniest particle.

The results can be groundbreaking, colourful, explosive, or almost impossible to see.

Chemists use their experiments and knowledge to develop medicines, foods, fabrics and other materials, from neon lights to shatterproof glass.

They also use it to understand the world around us, from why leaves change colour to discovering invisible pollutants in the air.

The specification is divided into 19 topics, each covering different key concepts of chemistry:

Modules you will study:

In AS Chemistry, Modules 1-10 are assessed, all modules are assessed at A-Level Chemistry. You will be required to apply your knowledge to both familiar and unfamiliar situations. Practical work is only assessed at A-Level by the teacher as Pass/Fail, however core practicals are examined in the written papers at both AS and A level. A minimum of 20% of the marks in both AS and A Level Chemistry are for mathematics.

Paper 1: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry

• Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes.
• The paper consists of 90 marks
• 30% of the total qualification

Paper 2: Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry

• Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes.
• The paper consists of 90 marks
• 30% of the total qualification

Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Chemistry

• Assessment is 2 hour 30 minutes.
• The paper consists of 120 marks
• 40% of the total qualification

A minimum of 5 subjects at Grade 5/BTEC Level 2 Merit or higher:

Including

• GCSE Chemistry (Grade 6 or higher) or Combined Science (Grade 6-6 or higher).

• GCSE Mathematics (Grade 5 or higher)

• GCSE English Language (Grade 5 or higher).

Chemistry A level complements many other A- Levels, particularly, Biology, Mathematics and Physics. It is an ideal accompaniment to Medicine, Astronomy, Electronics, Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Physics and other university courses. It is widely viewed by universities as one of the most challenging A level subjects.

You could take this course with other advanced level courses, which overlap with Chemistry such as Biology, Applied Science, Physics, Geography, Geology or more general subjects that may not relate to the sciences, to prepare for higher education. With further training, you could go into a job related to Chemistry or one of the other sciences such as a Doctor, Nurse, Scientist or Pharmacist. The course will also help you to develop the basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE is a recognised qualification that will help you to develop the basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.