Level
A Level
Qualification
Edexcel International A Level Chemistry syllabus XCH11 (AS) and YCH11 (A2)
Exam Board
Edexcel
Hours of Study
Approximately 500 hours of study time (plus additional time for completing assignments)
About the course
View upcoming Open EventsOverview
Our A Level Chemistry (International) online homeschooling course will help you explore how Chemistry shapes the world around us, from everyday materials to major scientific breakthroughs, whilst building strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Through this course, students will:
- Cover core Chemistry topics like bonding, energetics, equilibria, organic chemistry and practical skills.
- Build transferable skills in analysis, logic and problem-solving – useful beyond science.
- Open pathways to a wide range of degrees and careers, including medicine, engineering, forensics and environmental science.
Our experienced University and Careers Advisor can provide support with choosing the right A Level courses for your ambitions, as well as all aspects of applying to university including UCAS references, interview preparation and more.
Additional information
Study method: A self-directed mix of online and offline learning with structured multimedia content. You will be supported throughout your studies with expert Tutor feedback as well as guidance from a dedicated 1:1 Student Progress Manager.
Course content
Key topics
- Structure of the atom and isotopes
- Mass spectrometry
- Atomic orbitals and electronic configurations
- Ionisation energies and periodicity
Take a look at our A Level Chemistry International homeschooling course to see what your child will be studying, with these exclusive previews on our student learning platform. These will give you an insight into our approach to this subject, the different topics it covers and the types of activities and exercises your child will be doing once they get started.
Assessments & exams
Exams
This course will assess your understanding across several papers:
AS Level
Paper 1: This paper covers Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry and lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes, accounting for 40% of the AS grade or 20% of the overall A Level grade.
Paper 2: This paper covers Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols and lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes, accounting for 40% of the AS grade or 20% of the overall A Level grade.
Paper 3: This paper covers Practical Skills in Chemistry and lasts for 1 hour 20 minutes, accounting for 20% of the AS grade or 10% of the overall A Level grade.
A Level
Paper 4: This paper covers Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry and lasts for 1 hour 45 minutes, accounting for 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade.
Paper 5: This paper covers Transition Metal and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry and lasts for 1 hour 45 minutes, accounting for 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade.
Paper 6: This paper covers Practical Skills in Chemistry and lasts for 1 hour 20 minutes, accounting for 20% of the A2 grade and 10% of the overall A Level grade.
Mock exams
All of our A Level courses include a number of past exam papers in the final module to support students’ learning. This includes the most recent paper, which can be taken as a mock exam and submitted to the course Tutor for feedback for an additional fee.
87% Pass Rate
In 2024, our A Level students achieved a pass rate of 87% at A*-C grade, with 59% achieving grades A*-C across all their courses.
Exam centres
As this is an Edexcel course, you will need to find an approved Edexcel exam centre that also caters for this subject. We can provide details of the closest exam centre for your family.
Meet the tutors
A Level Chemistry (International) Tutors
Anne Davis, PhD, BSc, MSET QTLS, CChem MRSC
Tutors
Subjects
- Chemistry
- Maths
Teaching Levels
- GCSE Level
- A Level
Anne Davis, PhD, BSc, MSET QTLS, CChem MRSC
Tutors
I have always had a passion for Maths and the Physical Sciences. As a child, I pestered my parents for books about the moon, and my grandfather indulged my interests by getting me a telescope and a microscope. To this day, I have maintained a love of both Astronomy and Microscopy – both at opposite ends of the scale of the universe but equally enthralling.
I completed my degree in Chemistry in 1993 and began my PhD in Luminescent Solid-state Materials the following year. Whilst studying for my PhD, I began giving Chemistry and Mathematics tutorials at university and discovered a lifelong love of teaching.
Following the completion of my PhD, I continued to work in academic research in Physical and Materials Chemistry until I changed career to work in the automotive, chemical and oil industries for several years before returning to teaching. I have worked as Head of Mathematics in an international Sixth Form College, and I have also taught Chemistry and Physics.
For me, teaching is the most rewarding calling in the world. To pass on my love of the Sciences is a real joy. I believe in helping students to understand fully the concepts they need to learn; understanding how something works, or what causes something to happen, makes learning so much more interesting and is more readily remembered.
I am a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and am a Chartered Chemist. I have given numerous presentations on both Chemistry and quality and have published many papers on materials Chemistry. I also write book reviews for Intuition which is the magazine of the Society for Education and Training.
In my spare time, I coach cycling, kayaking and canoeing and play the classical guitar.
Chris Enos, BSc, PhD, QTS
Tutors
Subjects
- Chemistry
Teaching Levels
- GCSE Level
- A Level
Chris Enos, BSc, PhD, QTS
Tutors
For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by Science. My interest in Chemistry began when I received a Chemistry experiment set as a present. I can still remember my enjoyment of mixing the chemicals and finding out why things reacted in the way they did.
My interest in Science at school led me to read Chemistry at Swansea University, which I completed in 1989. Following this, I stayed on at University to study for a PhD in Mass Spectrometry and Translational Energy Spectroscopy. While studying for my PhD, I taught undergraduates and found that I really enjoyed teaching and inspiring students and have been a teacher ever since!
My main specialism is in Chemistry, although I am passionate about all of the Sciences and Mathematics. In my teaching career, I have been Head of Department, Director of Studies, Deputy Head and Head of a large online school.
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a teacher as it has provided me with so many opportunities to work with passionate and inspiring young people. Many of my students have gone on to study Chemistry at Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities, and I have helped my students prepare for the British Chemistry Olympiad national competition in the UK.
I am married with two grown-up children. When I’m not teaching or tutoring, I can be found working on my latest project in my workshop. I enjoy cycling, reading and spending time reading about the history of Science and Chemistry in particular.
I very much look forward to working with you on your chosen Wolsey Hall Oxford course and sharing my enthusiasm for Chemistry and learning.
Melissa Baines, BSc, BEd, MAEd, QTS
Tutors
Subjects
- Science
- Chemistry
Teaching Levels
- Lower Secondary
- GCSE Level
- A Level
Melissa Baines, BSc, BEd, MAEd, QTS
Tutors
Physics laboratory experience of first-year students. I did this through re-writing the lab manual for all the experiments. I believe the way to learn is to get involved, get hands-on, see the effects of Science, as Science is everywhere, all of the time!
After completing my degree, I taught in Australia for 18 months before moving to the UK in 2002. During my 18 years of high school teaching, I have taught Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology to GCSE Level, and Chemistry and Physics to A Level. I am passionate about Science education and always strive to make it engaging for all students so that they can be inspired by it too! I love working with individuals to focus on their strengths and identify where the areas of growth and development lie.
I have many interests apart from Science teaching. I am a keen runner, having completed the London Marathon twice for charity. I also have two children, so we love getting out and about; exploring our local woods or playing on the beach.
Sarah Cowans, BSc
Tutors
Subjects
- Science
- Chemistry
Teaching Levels
- Lower Secondary
- GCSE Level
- A Level
Sarah Cowans, BSc
Tutors
Learning is a lifelong skill. I am in my fifth decade of life and still love to learn about new ideas, try new things and ask questions. I believe that the education a young person receives is instrumental in them becoming well-rounded young adults with the skills to embark on adult life and continue their learning pathway.
As an honours graduate in Biochemistry, my subject specialism is Chemistry up to A Level, as well as Lower Secondary Science. I have taught for over 25 years in both the independent and mainstream sectors. Having worked with students across a range of abilities and geographical locations, I have a wealth of experience and learning techniques to ensure that my students gain the most from their learning experience. I also teach students one-to-one online and like having the time to give detailed feedback. For the last eight years, I have taught in an independent boarding school with an excellent reputation for teaching students with additional learning needs. This has allowed me to realise how young people can not be “put into a box” when it comes to learning and that, as a teacher, I need to understand the strengths and needs of each of my students so that they can unlock their full potential.
I have held various positions during my teaching career, including Head of Year and Head of Department. During my time managing the chemistry department, we consistently achieve above the national average at A*- C at both A-level and IGCSE.
My teaching philosophy is based on forming a solid working relationship with my students. Where they feel valued, supported, and comfortable enough to engage in discussions and ask questions. Just as importantly, learning should be fun, and by being creative, I hope to instil curiosity in my students and inculcate their interest in chemistry.
Outside of teaching, I spend most of my time travelling around the UK and Europe in our campervan. My love of the great outdoors is apparent in my hobbies which include trail running, cold water swimming, hill walking and skiing.
I hope to pass on my passion for learning and interest in science as we journey together through Wolsey Hall Oxford.
Tim Grillon, Level in Teaching Online
Tutors
Subjects
- Chemistry
Teaching Levels
- A Level
Tim Grillon, Level in Teaching Online
Tutors
I am an experienced, qualified science teacher. I have taught in private, comprehensive, single, co-educational, and French and English schools. I have also worked in a British online secondary school. I have taught many different curriculums to pupils from a wide range of backgrounds, which has helped me gain experience in differentiating my teaching methods to suit each pupil.
Although I am a Chemistry specialist, I have significant experience teaching Physics, Biology, Maths, STEM, IT, and French. As Head of Science, I had the opportunity to contribute to the excellent reputation of the department I ran, and I left a structure that could be built on.
For the past six years, I have tutored many pupils and helped them achieve the grades required for college or university. My tutoring experience includes anything from preparing students for exams to teaching an entire course to home-schooled students. I enjoy imparting my knowledge of science and my passion for learning.
Although I am French, I have lived and was educated in the UK. Additionally, I speak fluent Thai after spending significant time doing charity work in Thailand. My Spanish is conversational, and I am currently learning Portuguese.
I love travelling, reading, playing music, and anything water-related, like surfing, sailing and scuba-diving.
Course bundles & savings
Choose the perfect combination of courses for your child with our flexible approach to homeschooling. The more courses you select, the more you save per course.
1-2 courses
From £1,092.50 per course
3 courses
From £902.50 per course
4 courses
From £807.50 per course
Inspiring Stories
See how our students have unlocked their potential
Trustpilot Reviews
A Level reviews
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Flexible, comprehensive and supportive
I used Wolsey Hall Oxford to sit an A level in support of a career change. I had a really superb experience with the college. The online portal is easy to use. Teaching and learning materials are well curated to deliver the content. Tutors feedback is constructive, on point and quickly provided. These factors all help to ensure readiness for the exams themselves as well as development of a strong knowledge of the subject content. The administrative team were efficient and helpful. Overall and excellent experience and I would strongly recommend to anyone who can’t attend regular schooling in person or perhaps who wants to study an additional qualification alongside studies in school.
Clare W, January 10
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Highly recommended! Experienced and professional homeschooling in Zambia from Wolsey Hall Oxford!
Wolsey Hall Oxford came recommended from friends and colleagues when looking for Cambridge homeschooling family option for our 16 year old daughter in Zambia. We were not disappointed with the recommendations and the outcome of homeschooling in her selected A level subjects - Business Studies, English Language, Economics and History. The experience of the teachers and support network at Wolsey resulted in our daughter being accepted in a UK Russel Group University. Thank you Wolsey Hall Oxford team and Erica in particular, as you made it easier for us as parents throughout the homeschooling process which was new for us! Recommended by our family!
Alan Clayton, September 17
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Thank you Wolsey Hall Oxford
I'm Tejjas, an A Level student who sat the 2024 May/June A Level exams. My experience with Wolsey Hall Oxford was wonderful and I'm so happy that I decided to enrol. Courses were well organised on Canvas and flowed logically. The materials linked were useful and helped to provide a broader range of perspectives and approaches to problems or concepts. I would also recommend that other students look for materials beyond what is provided on Canvas to further their understanding if they so wish. Tutors were friendly and helpful when asked questions, and would usually respond within 48 hours. Thank you Mr Bahia, Mr Wardle, and Mrs Carpinato. Assignments were also good and feedback was useful. What was particularly good was that I felt that assignments were graded as they would be in the exams, meaning very strictly. This encouraged me to learn proper exam technique and not gloss over details that may otherwise seem trivial. This is especially helpful for essay subjects where students may mark themselves too leniently since the Cambridge-provided mark-schemes have some ambiguity. My SPM, Ms Helena Cantone, was also supportive and understanding when I missed deadlines occasionally due to personal matters. She would check in monthly to ask how I was doing and offer help, which helped to keep me motivated. I'm also very thankful to the university counsellor, Ms Sarah Wilson, for her advice and support with my UCAS application. With her referral letter and general advice on my application, I secured 5/5 offers from universities including the LSE, Warwick, and KCL. I achieved A*A*A* and hence converted my LSE offer. Overall, these 2 years with Wolsey Hall Oxford have been incredible thanks to the wonderful people involved, and I will look back on them with great fondness. Tejjas
Tejjas Kumar, August 16
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Professional, well-oiled institution
Wolsey is a highly professional institution that has clearly been operating for decades. The support, when needed, is always good. The course design and content is excellent, and makes the various subjects interesting. The tutor support is very helpful. We also appreciated the University Advice section of the school
Nicky van Hille, June 29
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Great experience throughout my school years
I have been with Wolsey since I started KS3, and I'm now going to start my final year of A levels. All throughout my time, the tutors have been fantastic and the feedback I got from them on my assignments have been good, as well as communication if I needed any additional help. For my AS level sociology, my assignment marks went from 68/100 to 90/100. Overall, probably one of the best online schooling options
Audrey M. Purinton, June 27
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Wonderful Wolsey!
Our daughter has been with Wolsey Hall for 4 years now and is on her path to begin her A-levels. We have had a wonderful experience from day one, and our current SPM, Kristina Brown, has been a superstar all the way. All questions, queries, and requests are attended to promptly and with extended guidance the whole time which is invaluable. We look forward to our next chapter with Wolsey Hall both our daughter and we as parents, are very happy with Wolsey Hall and highly recommend it to all parents looking for a top homeschooling choice.
C.T, June 21
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Many Thanks To Wolsey Hall
Wolsey Hall staff and teachers were always very helpful. I did not have to wait for assessment of my assignments for any length of time. The comments of the tutors helped to improve my presentation, especially in Mathematics. The encouraging and kind comments of all the tutors kept my morale high. When I had no option near my home to pursue A levels, Wolsey Hall was the best choice. Especially suited my independent style of working. Many Thanks to Wolsey Hall.
Arshnoor Singh Boparai, April 20, 2024
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Fantastic feedback, support and resources
Wolsey Hall is an absolutely fantastic choice for anyone wanting to homeschool themselves. You will have access to a staggering amount of interesting and useful course material, constant support and helpful feedback on all your assignments. I finished both my IGCSEs and my A Levels with Wolsey Hall, and did very well in both. I strongly recommend giving this school a chance!
Kaden Wolfson, January 17, 2024
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A levels at wh
My teachers and student manager were supportive throughout my 2 years with Wolsey. They were very good at prepping us for the exams and gave really specific and helpful feedback to my assignments.
Avantika D, August 23, 2023
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A great homeschooling approach
This is the best homeschooling program to support student undertaking a UK based curriculum. The platform works very well, supported by excellent tutors and a dedicated student progress manager. I recommend it for anyone looking to take IGCSE or A level qualification.
Sammy Likhali, June 27, 2023
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I have just finished two a-levels…
I have just finished two a-levels courses and I’m very satisfied with the experience Wolsey Hall provided. Always helpful and tutors always responsive with plenty of notice if they aren’t able to get back to you. All the resources and websites proved very useful and I thought the organisation of it was immaculate. Feedback was always helpful and always gave you room to improve so you can aim for very good grades.
Kim, November 29, 2022
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We were looking for an alternative online school for A Levels
We were looking for an alternative online school for A Levels. We found Wolsey Hall online, watched a few videos and filled in the information request form. Tina replied with a kind and informative email which she immediately followed up with a video call. Tina has gone above and beyond all of our expectations to help and has really made us feel like the school cares. The whole experience has left us as a family feeling confident that we have made the right choice and looking forward to getting started.
Spain Family, September 30, 2021
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Cambridge A level Psychology…
Our daughter took A level Psychology over 2 years because this option was not available through her school. Although much of distance learning is down to a student's self-discipline, having the right framework, tutor support and feedback strengthens the process. I believe that Wolsey Hall provided this, which is why the final grade result was so encouraging. I can highly recommend Wolsey Hall if you are looking for an online Cambridge option.
Parent, September 29, 2021
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No regrets at all.... Wolsey Hall are excellent.
A work move to Tokyo meant we had to make some tough decisions on A Level education for our son. Shopping around it was clear there was a plethora of distance learning providers, but Wolsey Hall seemed to stand out. We plumped for them, based upon their references and we were not disappointed; in fact we were delighted. Our son enrolled for three A Levels and it was clear from day one that Wolsey Hall were attentive, rigorous, disciplined and a delight for him to deal with. Feedback from the coursework was fast, comprehensive and very personalised, his tutors always accessible and delight to deal with, providing excellent exam preparation. The administration of the books, coursework, lesson plans and other issues was spot-on. Wolsey Hall has our strongest recommendation and they have our fulsome praise and thanks for their efforts; he passed all three with great grading and will start University this year. My Son wears his Wolsey Hall sweatshirt with pride, they are very much his Alma Mater. Delighted!
Paul, May 12, 2020
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Wolsey Hall is an excellent school for…
Wolsey Hall is an excellent school for young adults to excel in their studies. Using the homeschooling system allows adolescents to develop a sense of orderliness, perseverance, patience and importance of achievement. The way the system works is very clear, efficient and straightforward with many resources provided. Tutors are very helpful, always giving inspiring compliments as well as advising on how to improve and where to focus attention. Wolsey Hall gave our daughter a unique opportunity to study AS and A levels while living in France. We are very grateful for the invaluable help we received from all the team. The synergy of hard work and support produced exceptionally great results: our daughter was accepted to one of the best universities.
parent, October 14, 2019
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Exceptional Experience
My daughter is an American student studying with Wolsey Hall. I knew very little about the Cambridge curriculum when my daughter began her IGCSE studies, but Wolsey Hall has made every effort to help both of us along the way. Their tutors are excellent, the materials they offer are thorough and I cannot say enough good things about their support staff. My daughter achieved very high marks on her IGCSE exams and is now studying A levels with Wolsey Hall. I highly recommend them for anyone wanting an exceptional learning experience.
Elaine, September 25, 2019
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Excellent
I would recommend Wolsey Hall Oxford to anyone considering homeschooling. Each course has plenty of resources on canvas and the course books are very informative. Any questions or help that we needed (preparing and arranging exams etc) have always been dealt with by the friendly tutors and student progress manager. My daughter achieved excellent IGCSE results and is now taking an A-level course.
D Hogan, September 18, 2019
Rated 4.7 / 5 based on 270 reviews.
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What’s your next step?
Our Learning Advisors are here to help and are happy to talk about how we can support your child to get the best start.
You can reach us by phone, email or live chat, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (UK time).
Learn more about Wolsey Hall Oxford and how we support families at every stage of the homeschooling journey.
Our live events take place regularly throughout the year. On-demand recordings are also available to watch at any time.
Joining our global community of homeschooling families is as simple as filling out our Admissions Enquiry Form.
Visit our Admissions page to see how you can get started.
Admissions Enquiry Form
Simply fill out our Admissions Enquiry Form and a member of our team will then be in touch to arrange a call to talk about your circumstances and needs in more detail.