A-Level Chemistry

What will I be learning? 

You will complete 6 modules as part of the OCR Chemistry A-Level course. This will include   

  • 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 I be assessed?

You will be assessed at the end of the two years and the table below provides an overview of the format and what is included.

Paper Modules No. of Marks Time % of total A-Level
Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01)  1,2,3,5 100 marks 2 hour 15 minutes written paper  37%
Synthesis and analytical techniques (02)  1,2,4,6 100 marks 2 hour 15 minutes written paper  37%
Unified Chemistry (03) 1,2,3,4,5,6 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper  26%

You are also required to complete the Practical Endorsement (04) which consists of practical work and is judged as a Pass or Fail. This does not count towards your final grade but the content is examined in all papers.

Independent study opportunities

Independent work is essential and you will be guided to resources that will help with this. This includes access to online resources such as Kerboodle and Chemistry Review. You will also have access to textbooks both hard copies as well as online versions.

What resources do I need? 

You will be provided with resources needed for practical and theory lessons.

What careers could this lead on to? 

Academic researcher, Pharmacologist, Education, Forensic scientist, Medicine, Science writer, Biochemistry, Engineering, Dentistry, Toxicologist, Journalism, Analytical chemist.

What grades do I need for this course? 

A minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or Grade 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science
A Grade 6 in Mathematics is highly recommended.