Chemistry A-Level

Curriculum Overview

Students are encouraged to develop an enthusiasm for the subject and their learning. We aim to create an environment where students ask ‘Why?’ and develop their scientific enquiry.

Teachers are passionate about their subject and aim to instil an appreciation of Chemistry in the world today that will take students further than just the specification. 

We follow the OCR Chemistry A course, delivered in 5 hours of teaching per week. Students’ development of practical skills is spread over both years. Lessons allow students to apply their understanding to complex problems as well as providing students transferable skills such as problem solving and analysis.

Students are expected to participate fully in lessons and to seek help from their teachers as soon as difficulties arise. To do well on this course students are expected to spend at least 6-8 hours per week on the study of this subject outside of lesson time.

A-level Chemistry is possibly one of the most challenging subjects students are offered. At Herschel the subject is very popular and the entry requirement is a minimum of a 7 in Chemistry (Triple Science) or 7 7 for Combined Science. The subject is highly sought after by many universities and expected to be taken for people wishing to pursue a career in science and is a must for courses like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and many other challenging degrees in this line.

Year 1

Foundations in chemistry   
Periodic table and energy  
Core organic chemistry and analysis       

Year 2

Physical chemistry
Organic chemistry
Transition elements

Contact us:

Giorgio Soldi: gso@wired2create.com

Taiwo Brown: tbr@wired2create.com

Ali Abdar: aab@wired2create.com

The course is delivered in 5 hours of teaching per week.

Students are also strongly encouraged to participate fully in lessons and to seek help from their teachers as soon as difficulties arise. To do well, students are expected to spend at least 6-8 hours per week on the study of this subject outside of lesson time.

Recommended Websites:

Chemguide: http://www.chemguide.co.uk/

Chemistry Explained: http://chemistry-explained.org/

Careers in Chemistry

Click on the image below to visit 'A Future in Chemistry', the perfect place to explore every opportunity, with advice on universities and vocational routes, course information and career inspiration.