At St Edward’s, our Chemistry course will equip you with the skills to understand how chemists have harnessed the molecular world for humanity’s benefit.


Why Study A Level Chemistry?

In Chemistry you will deepen your understanding of how atoms differ from each other and how they are bonded together.  You will gain more insight into the usefulness of the periodic table in identifying patterns of chemical behaviour. You will appreciate how organic chemists can use simple starting molecules to synthesise new chemicals, with real-world applications.  

Chemistry is a great choice if you want a better understanding of the molecular world, and how humans have used this to improve our quality of life. The 21st century has many challenges from pollution to climate change and chemists are at the forefront of trying to solve these problems. 

The course content requires you to use:

  • analytical skills to solve problems 
  • spatial skills to identifying differences in molecules 
  • mathematical skills  
  • practical skills 
  • recall skills to learn the reaction chemicals, conditions and mechanisms 
  • abstract skills to understand a molecular world that cannot be seen 

This course is particularly suitable if you are wanting to pursue medicine, veterinary or engineering at university as well as the chemical sciences. Chemists are also highly valued in the financial and management industries due to the skills developed during the course.  

Course Contact

Mr Stuart Keene
A Level Chemistry Subject Leader

Course Content

Component 1: Physical Chemistry, 33% 

Component 2: Inorganic Chemistry, 33% 

Component 3: Organic Chemistry, 33% 

Exam board: AQA 

Where can this take you?

After studying Chemistry at St Edward’s, you could go on to further education at university and study for a degree in chemistry, engineering, veterinary or medicine.

Student Destinations 

  • University of Exeter - Mathematics with Finance and a Year in Industry 
  • University of Central Lancashire - Veterinary Medicine and Surgery  
  • Bournemouth University - Biomedical Science 
  • University of Brighton - Biomedical Science 
  • University of Liverpool - Biological and Medical Sciences 

Key information

Student Testimonials

 “What I enjoy most about Chemistry is learning about different reactions and building theories that can be tested by conducting experiments.”

Anna, KS5 Chemistry student