A Level Chemistry (International)

Why should you study A Level Chemistry (International)?

Chemistry is everywhere; the world around us is filled with materials that have been discovered, and developed and tested by chemists: such as medicines, foods, fuels, plastics, fertilisers and fabrics.

Chemists work at the forefront of science, developing materials and products that we use every day and finding solutions to problems that affect our lives. The problem-solving, research and analytical skills you will develop on this course will help you with further study at university and in your career.

If you want to pursue a career in Medicine,  Pharmaceuticals, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Science or the development of consumer products, then studying Chemistry at A Level is a vital first step.

Note that our experienced University Services Adviser can advise on A Level courses and all aspects of university entrance including application support and references. These services are easy to access though our booking form.

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The Syllabus and the Exam

This course prepares you for the Edexcel International A Level Chemistry syllabus XCH11 (for AS) and YCH11 (for the full A Level, AS + A2).

For the AS in Chemistry, you will take:

Paper 1: Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry (code WCH11/01) worth 40% of the AS grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade. (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Paper 2: Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols (code WCH12/01) worth 40% of the AS grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade. (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Paper 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry I (code WCH13/01) worth 20% of the AS grade and 10% of the overall A Level grade. (1 hour and 20 minutes)

For the A2 in Chemistry, you will take:

Paper 4: Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry (code WCH14/01) worth 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade. (1 hour and 45 minutes)

Paper 5: Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry (code WCH15/01) worth 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade. (1 hour and 45 minutes)

Paper 6: Practical Skills in Chemistry II (code WCH16/01) worth 20% of the A2 grade and 10% of the overall A Level grade. (1 hour and 20 minutes)

You will not be expected to carry out experiments during the exams. But you are expected to develop your experimental skills and a knowledge and understanding of practical techniques.

You can do this by using the links to videos, worksheets, online tutorials and notes about the core practicals provided in your course. Our course materials have been developed with the home student in mind, ensuring that you understand how the practicals would be carried out in a laboratory environment.

The new AS will be examined for the first time in 2019. The new A2 will be examined for the first time in 2020.