A level Chemistry

The International A level in Chemistry is your passport to exploring the secrets of atoms, molecules, and reactions. In the AS level, you’ll uncover the mysteries of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and organic chemistry, delving into everything from formulas to the periodic table. As you progress to the A2 level, you’ll tackle kinetics, equilibria, and dive deeper into the fascinating world of organic chemistry. The core practical experiments of the International A level are covered in depth within the course, and assessed via examination paper. Whether you dream of becoming a chemist, researcher, or simply want to understand the chemistry of the world around you, this qualification is your chance to unravel the molecules of life.

Key Information

What you’ll study

Entry Requirements

Assessment Information


Qualification	International AS Chemistry, International A level Chemistry
Exam board	Edexcel
Exams available	January, June and October

Online school, full time or individual courses


Course length	1 year AS Chemistry, then 1 year A level Chemistry
Weekly study time	2 x 45-minute live lessons, 5 x 45-minute self-study lessons, 1 x 45-minute teacher-marked homework
Class size	Maximum 10
Course start	September

Individual Tutoring


Recommended	Approximately 100 x 45-minute individual tutoring lessons, 260 x 45-minute self-study lessons, 50 x 45-minute teacher-marked homework. Pace and level of commitment determined by individual needs.
Course start	Flexible

AS Level

Unit 1: Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Formulae, Equations and Amount of Substance
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Bonding and Structure
Introductory Organic Chemistry and Alkanes
Alkenes

Unit 2: Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols

Energetics
Intermolecular Forces
Redox Chemistry and Groups 1, 2 and 7
Introduction to Kinetics and Equilibria
Organic Chemistry: Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Spectra

Unit 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry I

Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 1 and 2

A2 Level

Unit 4: Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry

Kinetics
Entropy and Energetics
Chemical Equilibria
Acid-base Equilibria
Organic Chemistry: Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Chirality

Unit 5: Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry

Redox Equilibria
Transition Metals and their Chemistry
Organic Chemistry: Arenes
Organic Nitrogen Compounds: Amines, Amides, Amino Acids and Proteins
Organic Synthesis

Unit 6: Practical Skills in Chemistry II

Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 4 and 5

For more information take a look at the Edexcel International Chemistry A level Specification: click here

Either

A pass in the Highgrove Online School admissions test for Chemistry A level

Or

A minimum grade 6 in GCSE Maths and either a grade 7 in Double Science or grade 6 in Chemistry, and a strong set of GCSE grades, including several at grade 7 or above.

Year 12 International AS

3 Exams
Paper 1	Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry (90 minutes). 40% of the total of AS, 20% of the total of A level
Paper 2	Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols (90 minutes). 40% of the total of AS, 20% of the total of A level
Paper 3	Practical Skills in Chemistry I (80 minutes). 20% of the total of AS, 10% of the total of A level

Year 13 International A level

3 Exams
Paper 4	Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry (105 minutes). 20% of the total of A level
Paper 5	Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry (105 minutes). 20% of the total of A level
Paper 6	Practical Skills in Chemistry II (80 minutes). 10% of the total of A level

Progression to University

A Chemistry A level is a vital requirement or advantage for a wide range of university courses, including chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, forensic science, and environmental science. It’s a foundational qualification for careers in research, healthcare, and various industries. Additionally, a Chemistry A level is valuable for courses in fields like materials science, nanotechnology, and food science, as it provides a deep understanding of chemical principles and analytical skills. Whether aspiring to become a chemist, doctor, researcher, or engineer, a Chemistry A level opens doors to numerous academic and professional opportunities in the sciences and beyond.

Pupils looking to study medicine at university may wish to combine Biology with a Chemistry A level.

We also offer the following A levels

Our core A level subjects are taught in group classes via a combination of interactive self-study lessons and live lessons led by an expert teacher:

We have an even wider selection of A levels available via our independent learning and tutoring programmes, including: