Chemistry A Level 3
Oakwood Park Grammar School
Oakwood Park, MAIDSTONE, ME16 8AH
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
For students applying from other schools please see the information below.
For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions
Applications Open - 11th December 2025
Applications Close - 30th January 2026
Entry Requirements:-
Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).
In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.
Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.
Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria
How to Apply
Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.
Subject Choice
In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.
Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.
Course Summary
The OCR Chemistry course has been designed for students who wish to continue with a study of chemistry. This provides progression from GCSE Science, GCSE Additional Science, or from GCSE Chemistry.
Experimental work will feature prominently, and this will enable you to develop your skills of manipulation, observation and deduction. It will include learning proper control measures for dealing with hazards. Practical ability will be assessed internally throughout the year. All students will keep a record of practical activities in a laboratory book.
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Course Details
The course aims to:
• Develop your interest and enthusiasm for chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers in chemistry.
• Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
• Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works.
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other.
The course is organised into teaching units, each of which is freestanding and builds upon work carried out in GCSE’s. The course is split into six teaching modules:
• Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
• Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
• Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
• Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
• Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
• Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Topic Assessment % of grade
Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry 100 marks
2 hours 15 minutes written paper 37% of total A level
Synthetic and Analytical techniques 100 marks
2 hour 15 minutes
Written paper 37% of total A level
Unified chemistry 70 marks
1 hour 30 minutes
written paper 26%
of total A level
Practical endorsement in chemistry Pass/Fail
Entry requirements
Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6
A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics
Grade 7 in GCSE Chemistry or 6-7 in Double Science GCSE
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
Your next steps...
You could take this course with other advanced level courses, which overlap with Chemistry such as Biology, Physics, Mathematics,Geography 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.
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.