The course builds on skills and knowledge gained at GCSE and covers a range of topics which give students a greater insight into principles and concepts underlying the chemical world. Specifically, we cover aspects of Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry including the structure of the atom, trends and patterns in the Periodic Table and typical reactions of organic families.
Year 13 builds on knowledge and skills developed in Year 12. You will
gain a greater understanding of the real world applications of these theoretical
concepts in your second year. If you like a challenge and you enjoy lots of
maths and calculations then Chemistry could be for you.
Awarded By:
Key Facts
Programme Costs:
The fees for this course are currently being confirmed.
Please contact Student Recruitment for more information.
Level:
3
Awarding Body:
Assessment & Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
Course Code:
- 24/25A1QCH
Mode of Attendance:
- Full Time
Course Duration:
2 Years
Dates:
- September 2024
CourseContent
Year 12:
- Physical Chemistry: atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, kinetics, equilibria, and redox reactions.
- Inorganic Chemistry: periodicity, group 2 chemistry, and group 7 chemistry.
- Organic Chemistry: organic compounds and isomerism, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and organic analysis.
- Practical Skills: experiments are designed to improve practical competence and introduce the student to a wide variety of techniques.
Year 13:
- Physical Chemistry: thermodynamics, further kinetics and equilibria, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells, acids, bases, and buffers.
- Inorganic chemistry: periodicity, transition metals, and reactions of inorganic compounds.
- Organic Chemistry: stereoisomerism, carbonyl chemistry, aromatic chemistry, amines, amino-acids, DNA, organic synthesis and analysis, structure determination, and chromatography.
- Practical Skills: building on Year 12 with more complexity and challenging analysis and evaluation.
Features/
Benefits
You will develop transferable skills which are highly valued by employers, including:
- data analysis,
- communication skills,
- applying knowledge to solve problems,
- and practical ability.
Entry
Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements:
All Loughborough College
Sixth Form courses have minimum entry requirements of at least five GCSEs at
grade C/4 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements:
GCSE Maths and
Science (Double Science or two 'traditional' sciences) at grade
6.
Assessment
Methods
Three x 2 hour exams
Paper 1 and Paper 2, 35% each, and Paper 3, 30%.
You will complete 12 compulsory practicals over the two years and a number of skills will be assessed by your teacher. This will make up the practical endorsement (CPAC).
Progression
Opportunities
Upon completing this course you will be equipped to progress onto university, a higher apprenticeship or work. The study of Chemistry develops your numeracy, literacy, and practical skills, which are valued by employers. Your ability to understand new concepts and become an independent thinker is enhanced, which is useful in many areas of work.
Possible degree options include Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Biochemistry, Biomedical sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy or Maths.
Career paths include Research Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Teacher, Analytical Chemist, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Pharmacologist, Doctor, Toxicologist or Environmental Manager amongst others.
FAQs
DO YOU OFFER THE EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)?
- Yes, but only to Year 2 students who have demonstrated in Year 1 that they have the academic ability to cope with this extra research project.
HOW MANY A LEVEL SUBJECTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
- You will need to choose three subjects minimum with a maximum of 4. See page 5 for more details on subject choices.
I’M INTERESTED IN A LEVELS BUT I’M NOT SURE WHICH ONES
- That’s okay! We know that deciding on A Levels can be a long process and
that you can change your mind—a lot.
When you initially apply, we’ll ask you for your options, but you’re not tied down to these subjects. We’ll confirm your final choices at a later date.
DO I HAVE TO STUDY THE SUBJECT I WANT TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY AS AN A
LEVEL?
- Not always; it depends on your chosen university course. Subjects like Medicine and Architecture have very specific entry requirements, whereas you can study Psychology or Law at university without having studied them at A Level. Check university entry requirements to see if they are asking for specific subjects.
ARE A LEVELS THE ONLY ROUTE INTO UNIVERSITY?
- No. We also offer Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas, which are the equivalent to three A Levels and many universities accept them as an alternative.
CAN I STUDY 3 A LEVELS AND BE A PART OF THE ACADEMY OF SPORT PROGRAMME?
- Yes. Visit the Academy of Sport pages for more information.
CAN I STUDY A DIPLOMA IN SPORT AND ONE A LEVEL?
- Yes, but it is only recommended for high-performing students due to the demands that both courses will place on timetable and ability. We will need to ensure that your combination is suitable for future progression and doesn’t clash on the timetable.
I knew I wanted to go to university after college and that lectures are held in a very different way to how school lessons take place...
Jessica Brooks-Atherton
A-Levels - Biology, Chemistry and Maths
READ MORE
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, the College accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Please note that details are subject to change without notice with regard to the provision of courses, course times and dates and the fees and charges levied.