The chemistry team at Forge Valley has a proven record at A Level. We pride ourselves on providing a supportive environment in which students can engage with the demands of the course and build up the skills they need to succeed in further education.

A good grade in A Level chemistry is a requirement of many science degree courses including medicine, dentistry and veterinary science and is thought of highly by employers by providing good indicators of academic ability, logical thinking, mathematical skills and conceptual aptitude.

The course is a fascinating exploration of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and reactions of organic and inorganic chemicals and builds on key concepts from GCSE chemistry. 

Future Opportunities

Chemistry opens up opportunities to pursue a host of courses at university including biomedical science, pharmacy, medicine and engineering. These courses are especially attractive to prospective employers as they seek to fill the in demand areas such as the pharmaceutical industry or non-scientific careers such as finance. The skills provided in chemistry will be useful for many career pathways. For a medical degree, an A Level in chemistry is an absolute requirement.

What are the entry requirements?

Five or more GCSEs Grade 9-4 or equivalent, including English Grade 66 in Combined Science or Grade 6 in Chemistry plus Grade 5 in Maths.

What will I study?

We will be following the AQA Specification. The course content contains the foundations of chemistry before branching out into the 3 disciplines of organic, physical and inorganic chemistry.

Specific subjects include:

• Biochemistry
• Kinetics
• Equilibria
• Energetics.

Running throughout A Level chemistry there will be 12 required practical experiments in which students' skills are tested and recorded. These skills are developed in preparation for this through many other opportunities for investigation work.

How will I be assessed?

Your understanding and learning will be assessed through written exams at the end of Year 12 and/or Year 13. There will be three papers which test your knowledge as well as your practical skills. You will also have your practical abilities assessed by your teacher which will be reported on your final certificate as the Practical Endorsement for Chemistry.