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Why Choose A Level Chemistry?

A Level Chemistry is no-doubt a bold choice, usually made by those pursuing a STEM career, or those who wish to pursue Medicine: those who dream of being doctors. You will choose Chemistry because you are a passionate and dedicated student, ready to learn about the myriad ways that matter interacts. It is, inarguably, a difficult subject to master, but our very experienced tutors will be able to guide and support you through the course, taking you meticulously through the topics and sharing the intrigue and excitement of the compulsory practical experiments (also known as ‘CPAC’).

You might actually be choosing A Level Chemistry because you have previously missed out on the grades required to get you into Medicine at University. At Barts, we have had incredible success with students who wish to retake Chemistry; we have helped countless students get the grades they need to be accepted to read Medicine at University. One recent Chemistry retake student of ours is now successfully studying to become a doctor at prestigious Plymouth university. He follows many others who we have helped to gain places at University for Medicine.

What will you study during A Level Chemistry?

While we are open to almost all exam board specifications in almost all subjects, our chemistry tutor’s preference is Pearson Edexcel. Edexcel A Level Chemistry requires students to study towards 3 papers: ‘Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry’, ‘Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry’, and ‘General and Practical Principles in Chemistry’. In addition to this, you will perform practicals that support the awarding of the Practical Endorsement (or CPAC). If you have previously passed the Practical Endorsement, but not got the grades you needed in the exams, the practical ‘Pass’ can be carried over, meaning that you do not have to do these again.

What skills will you develop through studying A Level Chemistry?

During A Level Chemistry, you will learn to:

  • Use the periodic table as a starting point for thinking
  • Visualise concepts to aid understanding and analysis
  • Manipulate complex mathematical equations
  • Link what is observed (particularly in practicals) to underlying concepts
  • Identify substances through observation, using ‘chemical common sense’
  • Write fluently and concisely when explaining or analysing.

Where will A Level Chemistry take you?

A Level Chemistry is a valuable subject for study if you are looking to go into any of the following fields: medicine, environmental science, toxicology, developing consumer products, pharmaceuticals, developing consumer products, such as perfumes and food, teaching, space exploration, and many, many others.

Taster Lessons

If you are not sure if A Level Chemistry is right for you, book a taster lesson! For the cost of our registration fee (£47), you can have up to three taster lessons in subjects of your choice. During these sessions, you can see if the subjects are right for you, and Barts is a good fit for you.