Chemistry is an experimental science, and the AS and A level courses are concerned with observing how substances behave in their interactions with each other and under changing conditions.

AS and A2
The AS and A2 courses are each divided into three modules, all self-contained with clear learning objectives. The emphasis of the syllabus is on the relevance of the subject to everyday life and it is therefore an interesting and dynamic course for boys to study.

The AS course develops many of the ideas previously approached at IGCSE. Together with the study of three modules, boys will also be assessed practically throughout the course; this will contribute towards their final grade.

The A2 course is a more advanced treatment of the ideas studied at AS, building on earlier concepts. This style and structure is tremendously encouraging to students. Furthermore, the syllabus empathises with the natural way in which chemistry as a subject evolves. This all makes OCR chemistry an exciting proposition for the Department. The structure of content and assessment in A2 is similar to that in the AS.

Requirements
Chemistry A Level is within the reach of most Radley boys. Good motivation is vital. It is important that boys participate fully in the course and are prepared to work on their own to formulate and rationalise ideas. Equally, boys should feel confident in applying what they have learned in all three sciences at IGCSE to developing their understanding and knowledge of chemistry.

Although it is not necessary for boys to study A level maths in combination with chemistry, we do expect boys to be numerate and confident when handling some advanced mathematical concepts in the A2 course.

Chemistry sits centrally within the sciences and the course provides good overlap with many other A level subjects, particularly Biology, Physics, Geography and Geology. However, the inherent breadth of chemistry means that it may also be considered with almost any other subject.

After A level
Chemistry at Advanced GCE level is a prerequisite for many courses at university and for many areas of employment. It is also a long-established and respected qualification that allows progression into a number of subjects at university including Chemistry itself, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering and related subjects.

Chemistry graduates enter many disciplines, not necessarily all being scientific. It is a qualification that is highly sought in today’s world; technically adept individuals remain essential to our rapidly developing society.