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<< back to courses
Chemistry
Exam Board
AQA
(link to specification)
Additional Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in GCSE mathematics and Grade 5 in English language - and 7 + 6 in science combined trilogy
or
7 + 6 + 6 separate sciences.
NB. BTEC science is not a suitable entry qualification
Course Content
Why chemistry?
Chemistry A level will inspire and nurture your passion for the subject and lay the groundwork for further study. It is important that you like and are confident in mathematics, as 20% of the course involves the application of maths. Students gain many transferable skills such as logical thinking, problem solving, team work, communication and independent study skills, and develop their ability to apply their scientific knowledge and these skills to unfamiliar contexts.
Many students go on to study medicine, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, pharmacy and chemical engineering. Those with exceptional grades go on to study chemistry or natural sciences at Oxford or Cambridge or vocational courses like medicine, veterinary sciences or dentistry. The Chemistry in Action conference, Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, summer schools, the RSC Chemistry Olympiad, guest speakers, and an expedition to Iceland are all available to our students. We also run a spectroscopy workshop and take groups of students to UCL.
Course content
The course is divided into three disciplines:
Physical chemistry topics:
atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria, redox and electrode potentials.
Inorganic chemistry topics:
groups 2 and 7, periodicity, transition metals and reactions of ions in aqueous solution.
Organic chemistry topics:
functional group chemistry, mechanisms, isomerism, polymers, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis and analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on the headings below.
How big are the classes and how many are there?
There are 11 classes in the year 12 group, with around 22 students in each class.
How much practical work and coursework is there?
Practical work is assessed continually throughout the year and the theory of practical work is included in the exam papers.
There are 12 required practicals - you do 6 in the first year and 6 in the second.
Students are required to keep an up to date lab book to show the development of lab skills.
A certificate of endorsement awarded at the end of the A level course.
How much homework is there?
At least 5 hours work set each week. Teacher feedback is given. Additional work is also expected.
Is there a big jump from GCSE?
Most students find it difficult and there is a big adjustment from GCSE. You have to be prepared to work hard right from the beginning.
Having said that, most students love chemistry and it ends up being their favourite subject.
What do you look for in a student?
High level maths skills - at least 20% of total marks, higher Tier GCSE maths skills).
Good literacy skills – there are some longer answer questions and some of the questions can be tricky to interpret.
Resilience – when things get tough they do not give up.
Hard worker who constantly reflects on how they can improve.
Good organisational skills.
Good practical skills.
What higher education routes does chemistry lead to?
Chemical engineering, medicine, pharmacy, research, dentistry, teaching, chemistry biomedical sciences, etc.
What are the entry requirements to study medicine?
A Levels in Chemistry and Biology - AAA to A*AA (Including a minimum of six 8/9 grades at GCSE).
“It is harder than GCSE, there was a big jump. But the way the topics link and the way they are structured… you kind of build up to the harder stuff. We are looking at things with more understanding and developing what we’ve learned.
Students here are way more academic and focused. It’s really interesting to make new friends and speak to people that have the same interests as you and actually care about what they are learning.”
ALICA
The Archer Academy
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<< back to courses
A level courses
What can I study?
Progression from first year to second year
WoodhousePlus
Year 12 subject checklist July 2020
Related News
Woodhouse and Imperial College London maths school gets government go-ahead
Ambitious new plans by Imperial College London and Woodhouse College to develop a new maths school have been approved by the government.
8 July 2020
Chemistry students win Ag and CuSn
Woodhouse students win medals at Chemistry Olympiad
2 May 2019
Medicine students get Jack Petchey award
Students Sahfiqa and Dilber recognised for promoting FGM awareness and ACLT
24 April 2019
Scientist Sayeed wins Big Bang Competition award
Woodhouse student Sayeed Ahmed recently won a place at the 61st LISYF
10 April 2019
Discussing Ebola at the Wellcome Collection
Biology student Edward Bickers reports on a recent trip to The Wellcome Collection
16 January 2019
Biology students get hands on lab experience at MRC centre
Eight Woodhouse biology students visited Addenbrooke’s Hospital MRC centre (affiliated with the University of Cambridge) to get some hands on lab experience
6 July 2017
Oxbridge-curious students visit Newnham College, Cambridge
In mid-March, eleven Woodhouse students (and Dr Dell) visited Newnham College, Cambridge to learn about applying for STEM subjects...
27 March 2017
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