Chemistry
Queen Mary's College - Hampshire
01256417500
Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3HF
Course summary

Chemistry is a fascinating subject that greatly impacts almost every aspect of modern society and continues to revolutionise the way we live. Starting with the idea of sub-atomic particles, Chemistry develops an understanding of how things around us – and inside us – work at a molecular level. This allows the design and production of medicines, fuels, sophisticated materials, and cosmetics. It also allows us to understand how processes in the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and our own body’s function. Modern chemists take a leading role in providing the solutions for tomorrow’s needs, whether in terms of energy demands, food production, environmental protection, or just a beautiful new shade of green for dying fabric! At Queen Mary’s College, we are committed to providing you with an exceptional Chemistry education that blends scientific principles with practical laboratory skills. You will develop the ability to solve real-world problems, make predictions based on general principles, interpret complex data, and explain fascinating phenomena. Through hands-on experiments, you will master the art of analysis, synthesis, and research. As your skills grow, so too will your logical thinking, numerical prowess, and problem-solving abilities, making you an attractive candidate for employers across a wide range of industries. While Chemistry offers a wealth of careers specifically rooted in the field, it also serves as a gateway to surprising paths such as law, accountancy, banking, and management.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements are 5 or more GCSEs graded 4/5 or above including English Language, and ideally, Maths. To ensure you have the best possible chance of success in Chemistry, you are required to have obtained at least double grade 6 in GCSE Science, a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics and 5 or better in GCSE English Language. If you have studied the three sciences separately you will need at least a grade 6 in Chemistry and one of the other sciences.

How you'll be assessed

The linear A Level Chemistry course will be assessed by your performance in three exams at the end of the second year. These exams are synoptic and between them, will cover all the elements from the entire two years of study. Papers one and two are both 2 hours 15 minutes long and contribute 41% & 37% respectively to your final A level grade. The third paper is 1 hour 30 minutes long and will test your understanding of practical skills; this will contribute the final 22%. There is no longer any coursework that contributes to your final A Level grade; the final grade will purely depend upon your examination performance. Practical work will still form an integral part of the course, but a separate ‘practical endorsement’ will provide evidence of your successful development of laboratory skills. PASS or FAIL will be added to your final certificate.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityHampshire
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressCliddesden Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3HF