A Level Chemistry

Course Code

A Level Chemistry

Course Type

Course Duration

2 Years

Start Date

1 September, 2025
Student with science experiment

Chemistry is a hard science and a good choice for learners wishing to embark on scientific or research-based careers. A Level Chemistry at Central Saint Michael’s is often combined with subjects such as Biology, Physics, Maths or Psychology.

Chemistry is the study of scientific matter comprising three main strands: inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, which are all taught to various depths across both academic years. The first year (AS study) introduces you to basic concepts encompassing these three strands, including practical work. The second year (A2 study) examines the first year concepts in significantly more depth and stretches your learning to include instrumental and industrial applications where Chemistry is used extensively.

AS Level Chemistry (Year 12)
Paper 1: Core Inorganic & Physical Chemistry

Topics:
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Bonding and Structure
Redox I
Inorganic Chemistry and the Periodic Table
Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance

AS Level Chemistry (Year 12)
Paper 2: Core Organic & Physical Chemistry

Topics:
Bonding and Structure
Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance
Organic Chemistry I
Modern Analytical Techniques I
Energetics I
Kinetics I
Equilibrium I

A Level Chemistry (Year 12 + Year 13)
Everything above, plus:
Paper 1 (continued): Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry

Topics:
Equilibrium II
Acid-base Equilibria
Energetics II
Redox II
Transition Metals

Paper 2 (continued): Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry

Topics:
Kinetics II
Organic Chemistry II
Chemistry III
Modern Analytical Techniques II

Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Chemistry
Questions in this paper may draw on any of the topics stated above, including core practicals.

All students studying A Levels should have at least five GCSEs at grade 9 – 5 in academic subjects, including English Language at grade 5. Two of these should be grade 6.

Specifically for Chemistry, you will need GCSE Double Science at grade 6 or above, or GCSE Chemistry at grade 6 or above and GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above and a total GCSE point score of 30 or more for your best five subjects.

For when you’re not studying, we offer a whole range of enrichment activities which are not only good fun but help you make friends, develop new skills and add to your CV and university applications. There are trips and visits to bring your studies to life, and you can get involved in sport, debating and many other activities.

Through the Student Union and our college committees, you can get involved in volunteering, enterprise, fundraising projects or the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. We run societies like the Medical Society for you to join and we organise events and festivals to celebrate our inclusive and diverse community. As for entertainment, we regularly host film nights and go on theatre trips to see live productions.

Assessment takes place through unseen timed examinations. There is no coursework. There are two exams at the end of year one for the AS Level and three exams at the end of year two for the A Level. The style of questions varies from short response, practical scenario to extended multi-part analysis.

The majority of Central Saint Michael’s Chemistry students go on to university and study some form of health or subject-related programme, which may include:

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Radiography
  • Paramedic Science
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Marine Science
  • Engineering

Course Details

Department

Exam Board

Qualification

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