Chemistry

In the Chemistry A-Level course, Year 12 provides a solid foundation across a broad range of topics crucial for understanding chemical principles and applications.

Key areas of study include:

• Atomic Structure and Isotopes: Exploring the building blocks of matter.
• Compounds and Reactions: Focusing on formulae, equations, and types of chemical reactions such as Acid-base and RedOx.
• Quantitative Chemistry: Covering moles and related calculations.
• Periodic Table and Bonding: Investigating trends and chemical bonding related to physical properties.
• Organic Chemistry: An introduction to hydrocarbons, alcohols, haloalkanes, and essential organic reactions.
• Analytical Techniques: Utilising modern methods like Mass Spectrometry and Infra-Red Spectroscopy. 

After completing our A-Level Chemistry course, the door is wide open to a multitude of career paths in science, medicine, and engineering.

Graduates often pursue higher education in fields such as Pharmacy, Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Chemical Engineering, among others.

The skills developed through studying Chemistry, including analytical thinking, research, and problem-solving, are highly valued across various industries.

The OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) is the exam board responsible for our A-Level Chemistry programme, specifically under the Chemistry A Specification.

This board sets and assesses the exams to ensure a consistent and thorough evaluation of student understanding in the subject.

To enrol in the Chemistry A-Level at Cardinal Newman, students must have at least five GCSES graded 5 or higher, including grade 6 in two sciences, one of which should be Chemistry if previously studied, and a grade 6 in Maths.

We also offer flexibility through our Mixed Programme. This allows students to combine A-Level studies with BTEC qualifications.