CHEMISTRY A/AS Level 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 8th January 2026, 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:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- 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.

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 are 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.

Minimum Entry Requirements

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.