Chemistry AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: OCR

Chemistry is a science affecting every aspect of modern life. Studying Chemistry at A Level is both relevant and interesting. The Chemistry course also helps to develop a logical and methodical approach to problem solving which is highly valued not only within science disciplines but in many other fields of higher study or employment. Potential pupils should be able to obtain a good grade in Double or Triple Award Science but the main requirement is an enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of, the subject. The desire to know the answer to the question ‘Why?’ typifies a good Chemistry pupil.

Career prospects and further education courses that are accessible through AS/A2 Level Chemistry are very diverse in nature. They range from pure chemistry, pharmacology and biochemistry to subjects such as art, archaeology and law. Chemistry is essential for anyone wishing to study medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, and it is highly recommended for physiotherapy. It is an interesting fact that 80% of all Chemistry degree graduates find themselves working for financial institutions, which have deliberately sought chemists because of their analytical and problem solving skills.

Chemistry B (Salter’s) is designed to be taught in context. The course takes pupils on a journey through ten Storylines, while introducing chemical concepts in a spiral approach. These Storylines engage pupils through learning in a contemporary context and range from concerns about the ozone layer to the development of new medicines. Coursework will no longer contribute to the final grade, but there will be opportunities for pupils to develop their investigational and problem-solving skills.

A LEVEL CHEMISTRY B ( Salter’s)

ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

PAPER 1 Fundamentals of Chemistry: MARKS 110, DURATION 2 ¼ hours, WEIGHTING 41%

Section A -Multiple Choice

Marks 30

Section B - Structured questions covering theory and practical skills.

Marks 80

PAPER 2 Scientific Literacy in Chemistry: MARKS 100, DURATION 2 ¼ hours, WEIGHTING 37%

Structured questions and extended response questions, covering theory, practical skill and chemical literacy.

PAPER 3 Practical Skills in Chemistry: MARKS 60, DURATION 1 ½ hours, WEIGHTING 22%

Structured questions and extended response questions, with a focus on the assessment of practical skills.

NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT

Practical Endorsement for Chemistry: Pass/Fail

Candidates complete a minimum of 12 teacher-assessed practical activities to demonstrate practical competence. Performance is reported separately to the A Level grade.

A Level topics: Elements of Life, Developing Fuels, Elements from the Sea, The Ozone Story, The Chemical Industry, Polymers and Life, Oceans, Developing Metals, Colour by Design and What’s in a Medicine?

This is a very accessible course that relates Chemistry to its everyday roots and has a high practical content. This course suits those pupils who are prepared to play an active role in their own learning and involves a variety of teaching styles encompassing experimental, research, presentation and problem solving based activities.

This specification is uniquely different from other A Level specifications because:

• It starts from applications and develops the theory as required
• It introduces chemical topics in one unit and revisits them in later units
• All external units in the examinations ask all the questions in context
• There is an advance notice passage included in the A Level Paper 2 which can be studied, researched and discussed by pupils well in advance of the unit test

*Also offered as an AS Level, spaces permitting

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses such as Biology or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Chemistry, which could lead onto higher education in science related subjects or more general higher education courses. Career prospects and further education courses that are accessible through AS/A2 Level Chemistry are very diverse in nature. They range from pure chemistry, pharmacology and biochemistry to subjects such as art, archaeology and law. Chemistry is essential for anyone wishing to study medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, and it is highly recommended for physiotherapy. It is an interesting fact that 80% of all Chemistry degree graduates find themselves working for financial institutions, which have deliberately sought chemists because of their analytical and problem solving skills. 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. You could take this course with other advanced level courses, which overlap with Chemistry such as Biology, Applied Science, Physics, Geography, or more general subjects that may not relate to the sciences, to prepare for higher education.