Course at a glance
Examining Board: Edexcel
Next Examination Period: May/June 2023
Exam Specification Code:9CH0
Coursework Element: None
Practical Element: Yes
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.
Standard Option: Chemistry A Level
Payment Options: Interest free instalment plans available
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Introduction
This A level course is based on the Edexcel Advanced General Certificate Education; (A-GCE) Specifications for Chemistry, which became available from 2015 teaching series for first examination in 2017.
The Learning programme for the student, offers choice and scope in regards to the wider study of the sciences. The course follows the core aims of the Edexcel framework, (students can also prepare with this material to sit the Edexcel Examination) which are to:
- Set out a robust and internationally comparable post-16 academic course of study to develop that knowledge, skills and understanding.
- Enable higher education institutions to identify accurately the level of attainment of students.
- Provide a benchmark of academic ability for employers.
The study of this course allows students to go on to Higher Education to study a wide range of science courses, including: physics; mathematics; biology; chemistry and behavioural sciences.
Fast Track A Level Chemistry Entry Requirements
Although the Fast Track A Level Chemistry programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an A-Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
Fast Track A Level Chemistry Course Duration
1 year.
Study Hours Required
Approximately 350 hours.
Awarding Body
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Examination Information
Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.
All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.
Fast Track A Level Chemistry Course Content
The whole ‘A’ level has THREE (3) specific units of study, which are sub-divided into NINETEEN (19) THEMES across the THREE (3) Units of learning, these are:
Fast Track A Level Chemistry Unit One: – Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
This unit will consider the topics of: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Bonding and. Structure. Redox, Inorganic Chemistry and the, Periodic Table Formulae. Equations, and, Amounts of Substance. Energetics Equilibrium, Equilibrium Acid-base Equilibria; Energetics Redox and Transition Metals.
Fast Track A Level Chemistry Unit Two: – Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry
This unit will continue the themes of unit one in more formal details, in which students will explore the methodological and thematic nature of Chemistry formulary.
Fast Track A Level Chemistry Unit Three: – General and Practical Principles in Chemistry
In this final unit of learning, students will review the work completed in units one and two, with specific focus on the practical aspects of Chemistry. Building on the groundwork students will concentrate on how science has, does and will continue to: assess conceptualise and provide a theoretical understanding of experimental methods (indirect practical skills) that will draw on students’ experiences of the core practical concepts of chemistry.
Support Materials
Although the course programme is ‘self contained’ the student may wish to obtain further materials in regards to learning. The following materials are in the main useful, but not essential to guide learning: –
Textbooks
Edexcel Chemistry AS/A Textbook 2015 Pearson Pub.
Andrew Northedge – The Good Study Guide Open University
All of the above can also be obtained in an electronic format
Assessment Objectives
Awarding Body Syllabus
The course does not as standard have any ‘course work’ element and is therefore, has an end loaded final assessment by a THREE (3) papers across the four syllabus units of learning, that amount to 5.2 hours in total examination time, which are divided into NINETEEN (19) TOPICS across THREE (3) studied units. SIXTEEN (16) of which have practical applications.
To ensure that the four assessment objectives (AOs) are clearly placed and assessed prior to the final examination, the TMA’s are weighted in accordance with these AO statements below:
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: • in a theoretical context • in a practical context • when handling qualitative data • when handling quantitative data
AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: • make judgements and reach conclusions • develop and refine practical design and procedures
Progression
Our Fast Track A Level Chemistry programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.
A levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.
UCAS Points Table
A* = 56
A = 48
B = 40
C = 32
D = 24
E = 16