A Level Chemistry includes regular practical sessions. These sessions will help to develop your chemical techniques as well as your laboratory skills. These will also be invaluable for future science-related careers.

Practical sessions are closely linked to the theory taught in lessons. This proves an effective way of developing your grasp of the theoretical concepts covered. As well as being important in its own right, this A Level Chemistry is an essential requirement for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.

A Level Chemistry Resources

2 fully equipped laboratories with access to a third, including:

Analytical chemistry

  • A full range of titration apparatus
  • Melting point machines
  • TLC plates

Synthesis of organic chemicals

  • An extensive range of Quickfit glassware to enable students to work individually developing their laboratory skills
  • Reflux apparatus
  • Distillation apparatus
  • Reduced pressure filtration
  • Separating funnels
  • Rotary evaporator

All labs have two fume cupboards for use when working with hazardous chemicals. Computer workstations, all students also have access to a computer suite.

Where does this A Level Chemistry course lead?

As well as being important in its own right, this subject is an essential requirement for medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science.

In the past, our students have entered university to follow many different courses – pharmacy, medicine, dentistry. Similarly, other courses include physiotherapy, analytical chemistry, pure chemistry, forensic science, biological and environmental sciences, law, engineering and business.

Course Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE Chemistry or 55 in Combined Science plus grade 5 in GCSE Maths and grade 4 in English Language.

A Level Chemistry Course Leaflet

Exam Board Course Specification

Chemistry Alumni

Jade Edwards – Chemistry, University of York

Alex Burke – MChem, Durham University

Cameron Mumtaz Wong – Chemical Engineering via Natural Sciences, St John’s College, Cambridge

News

Carmel’s Chemists compete in Olympiad

Chemistry students win Young Analyst regional competition

Cambridge Chemistry Challenge

What Our Students Say

Choosing to study Chemistry at Carmel was a great decision for me, as I have found the course very interesting and the standard of teaching is consistently excellent.

I always come out of my lessons understanding what we have covered, but if I ever need extra help outside of lessons, I know there are many opportunities to ask. This includes Chemistry Clinic, which is run twice a week by the Chemistry department, where students can drop in to ask for clarification with anything or help with any work. I can also ask any of the teachers in the department for help at any time in college by going to the science work base and I know they are happy to help.

I have really enjoyed the enrichment opportunities on offer for Chemistry, such as the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the RSC Olympiad, both of which I participated in and which have given me a broader view of the subject outside of the A Level course.

I am currently set to go to Durham University to study a Masters in Chemistry. One of the ways the department at Carmel supports myself and others to do the best we can, is by putting on A/A* masterclasses. These give us further insight on more difficult questions bordering into degree level content to challenge us. I have found this really helpful as it has pushed me to improve my problem-solving skills and to think outside the box more when approaching difficult questions.

Emma Savage