A level Chemistry (UK)

Why study A level Chemistry?

Our A level Chemistry course shows students that Chemistry is all around us. The world is filled with materials that have been discovered, developed and tested by chemists, such as medicines, foods, fuels, plastics, fertilisers and fabrics. An understanding of the subject can help you answer many questions about everyday life! Why are plants green? How does soap clean.

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and how they interact under different conditions and in a variety of settings. This course covers the major topics in Chemistry, including molar calculations, structure and bonding, energetics, rates, equilibria, group chemistry, transition metals and a range of organic chemistry; as well as associated experimental skills. As it is a science subject, you will learn how to be objective, analytical, methodical, process and in turn solve problems. You can apply these skills outside academia, and the study of chemistry can help you to understand current events including news about petrol, environmental issues, pollution, health and product scares and more.

Chemistry is often referred to as the ‘central science’ because it helps to connect other sciences to one other, such as Biology, Physics, Geology, Environmental Science, Medicine and Engineering. A level Chemistry is described as a ‘facilitating’ subject because it allows a wide range of options for degree study. There are many chemistry-related degrees available, including Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Polymer and Materials Chemistry. These degrees can in turn lead to a range of careers as varied as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, forensic chemistry, geochemistry, R & D management, chemical engineering, petroleum engineering, food development, perfumery and waste management.

Note that our experienced University Services Adviser can advise on A level courses and all aspects of university entrance including application support and references.

SEE OUR IGCSE & A LEVEL EXAM RESULTS

Wolsey Hall Oxford is a registered school of Cambridge Assessment International Education

Wolsey Hall is a registered online Cambridge International School.

Wolsey Hall Oxford is a Pearson Edexcel approved centre

We offer a wide range of A level courses.

A level Chemistry

What do I need to know to enrol?

A level Chemistry (UK) is available only to students based within the UK. It builds directly on the work you will have done for IGCSE/GCSE in the subject. Grade B or 6 at IGCSE or equivalent is required before starting on the A level. Due to the knowledge of Mathematics required, we also require that you have Grade B or 6 in Maths at IGCSE or equivalent before embarking on this subject. Wolsey Hall Oxford offers the relevant IGCSE courses should you require further knowledge. All students undertaking Wolsey Hall A levels must also have an IGCSE in English Language at Grade C or 4.

The syllabus and exam

A level Chemistry (UK) prepares you for either the Edexcel AS level syllabus 8CH0 (for the standalone AS course) or Edexcel Advanced level syllabus 9CH0 (for the full A level). Exams take place in May and June.

AS level

Paper 1

Core Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (code 8CH0/01) is worth 50% of the overall AS grade. Length: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Paper 2

Core Organic and Physical Chemistry (code 8CH0/02) is worth 50% of the overall AS grade. Length: 1 hour and 30 minutes

A level

For the full A level in Chemistry, you will sit the following 3 papers in the same exam series:

Paper 1

Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (code 9CH0/01) is worth 30% of your overall A level grade. Length: 1 hour 45 minutes

Paper 2

Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry (code 9CH0/02) is worth 30% of your overall A level grade. Length: 1 hour 45 minutes

Paper 3

General and Practical Principles in Chemistry (code 9CH0/03) is worth 40% of your overall A level grade. Length: 2 hours 30 minutes

All of our A level courses include a number of past exam papers in the final module. These include the most recent paper which can be taken as a mock exam and submitted to your Tutor for assessment and feedback for a modest additional fee.

Science Practical endorsement

A level Chemistry (UK) contains a separate Practical Endorsement. This is a minimum of 12 practical activities need to be carried out by each student to show competence in the 12 practical techniques listed in the syllabus.  

The result of the Practical Endorsement (either ‘pass’ or ‘fail’) is reported separately on the A level certificate, in addition to the overall grade for theory.  

You will find a list here of the UK exam centres offering the Practical Endorsement. You may take the written exam at the centre where you take your practical endorsement, but you are not obliged to do so. 

Course samples

Course Fees

Tim Grillon

Subjects: Chemistry

Katy Oatridge

Subjects: Chemistry, Physics

Sarah Cowans

Subjects: Chemistry, Science

Chris Enos

Subjects: Chemistry

Anne Davis

Subjects: Chemistry, Maths
I’ve found no better place to discover my potential as a learner than at Wolsey Hall Oxford. The time I have spent working towards completing my secondary education with them has been very encouraging and gratifying. I’ve received such a great amount of support. To add to this, I’ve been happy to discover that the subjects I once thought impossible are the ones I’ve grown to love and do well in. Amazing doesn’t even sum it up for me, it’s been a truly outstanding part of my journey.

Zenzele Memela – IGCSE Student

South Africa

To be honest, I don’t think I would have done this so easily without the entire Wolsey Hall team on board – and, all the Tutors’ help. I am quite amazed at what I’ve done!
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Hamzah Yousef Jameel, IGCSE & A level Homeschooling Student

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