Chemistry A/AS Level

Applications Open: - now open

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 7th January 2027, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

At least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and a grade 4 in Mathematics

Meet the entry requirements for at least 3 full A Level / vocational subjects. Each subject has its own specific entry criteria. These can be found on the individual subject pages.

Additional considerations

A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

Chemistry is an important science, which is essential in our everyday lives and can make for a rewarding career. Due to this, many students choose this challenging, interesting and gratifying subject. The course aims to develop knowledge and ideas introduced at GCSE to enable students to understand the fundamental concepts in Chemistry. Students are encouraged to develop their existing skills in a new, more challenging situation. Chemical principles are taught through the topics listed in the course outline below.

Course Outline:

The course is organised into 6 modules:

• Module 1 Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry

• Module 2 Foundation of 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

Please note that A Level Chemistry now has a more demanding mathematical content which will account for 15% of the A Level.

Practical endorsement in Chemistry

Non-exam assessment reported separately. Practical and investigative work throughout the 2-year course is internally assessed. A minimum of 12 practical activities is carried out by each student which, together, meet the requirements for the practical endorsement. Each student will keep an appropriate record of their assessed practical activities. Students who demonstrate the required standard across all the requirements of the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) will receive a ‘pass’ grade.

Examinations take place at the end of the 2-year A Level course.

There will be 3 examination papers, and in addition, a lab book will be kept by pupils to record their practical skill achievements.

• Paper 1 – Periodic Table, elements and physical chemistry – 37% of total A Level. (2h 15min written paper)

• Paper 2 – Synthesis and analytical techniques – 37% of total A Level. (2h 15min written paper)

• Paper 3 – Unified Chemistry – 26% of total A Level. (1h 30mins written paper)

At least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and a grade 4 in Mathematics

Meet the entry requirements for at least 3 full A Level / vocational subjects.

This subject requires:-

Preferred: Grade 7 in GCSE Chemistry (Triple Science route) or grade 7-7 in GCSE Combined Science (Double Science route).A grade 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics is

preferred.

Minimum: A grade 6 (Triple) or 6-6 (Combined) may be accepted on an individual basis, with students required to enrol on the STEM Access course in order to aid their learning.

A Level Chemistry is obviously essential to anyone wishing to study Chemistry at a higher level, but it is also a required A Level for many courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Forensic Science, Environmental Science and Engineering.

UCAS handbooks will give you further advice.