Skip to main content
Lowestoft Sixth Form College logo
Lowestoft Sixth Form College logo
Work for Us

Chemistry

Chemistry Course Image

Key Details

Levels

Level 3

FT / PT

FT

Location

Lowestoft

Duration

2 years

Have you ever considered how you can help prevent climate change? Can you charge a mobile phone with a lemon? Why does wine turn into vinegar? Is there a cure for the common cold?

A Level Chemistry will give you an exciting insight into the modern world of chemistry, with practical skills integrated throughout the course. You will learn how chemistry affects you and the impact it has on industry, equipping you with the skills to investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts. You will study topics including pH, transition metals, periodicity, enthalpy changes, bonding, electronic configuration and spectroscopy, using the college’s infrared spectrometer.

Sixth Form Tours

Sixth Form Tours

What will my day look like?

Explore example timetable

Course Information

At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 in one sitting. An average GCSE score of 5 or more is preferred. GCSE English and Maths at grade 4.

There are two AS exams at the end of the first year followed by three A2 exams at the end of the two years. Three written examinations are taken at the end of the two-year course, together with a Practical Endorsement assessed throughout the course. Paper 1 (Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry) is worth 37%, Paper 2 (Synthesis and Analytical Techniques) is worth 37%, and Paper 3 (Unified Chemistry) is worth 26%. The Practical Endorsement is reported separately as Pass/Not Classified and does not contribute to the final grade.

  • Experimental Design 
  • Equilibrium
  • pH and buffers
  • Enthalpy, Entropy and Free Energy
  • Redox and Electrode Potentials
  • Transition Metals
  • Organic Chemistry and Analysis
  • Aromatic Compounds
  • Carbonyl Compounds
  • Carboxylic Acids and Esters
  • Nitrogen Compounds
  • Polymers
  • Chromatography and NMR Spectroscopy 

You will complete practical work throughout the two years and must achieve the Practical Endorsement. Practical skills are assessed both directly through laboratory activities and within the written examinations. The course is approximately 10% practical / 90% theory.

A Level Chemistry is the perfect course if you are looking to study a degree in subjects such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, chemistry, biochemistry or pharmaceuticals.

You will gain valuable experience learning in professional laboratories within a cutting-edge chemistry department, equipped with university-standard equipment and facilities.

You will have the opportunity to attend seminars and engage with industry experts, including talks from engineers at Rolls-Royce.

Chemistry equips you with a variety of transferable skills, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, effective time management, research proficiency, presentation skills, teamwork and strong written communication.

Career Pathways