Other Courses

Chemistry (GCE A Level)

Shelley College

Huddersfield Road, Shelley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 8NL

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Shelley College

1 Not Set

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

Why study Chemistry?

Chemistry is an exciting and challenging subject which provides students with a remarkable insight into the substances which make up our universe. From the study of particles in an atom to the reactions which sustain life chemistry plays a vital role in preparing students for further study in a broad range of fields. Our students go on to degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, forensic science, physics, astronomy and law, among many others. Chemistry is recognised to be a challenging A-level but one which is both rewarding and engaging. A-level chemistry teaching at Shelley College is solely by experienced chemistry professionals with chemistry research degrees as well as Masters degrees in the subject. We are proud to have close links with the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Course Details

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Type of assessment: 100% of the assessment is through examination at the end of a two year course.

Paper 1 – 2 hours 105 marks

Physical chemistry

Inorganic chemistry

Practical skills

Paper 2 – 2 hours 105 marks

Physical chemistry

Organic chemistry

Practical skills

Paper 3 – 2 hours 90 marks

Any content

Any practical skills

Students must also complete the practical endorsement. This is the assessment of 12 required practicals through which they must securely demonstrate “mastery” of five competencies common to all science examination boards. This does not contribute marks to the final grade but must be completed in order to achieve the A-level. Knowledge of any practical from the 12 required practicals can be examined in any of the three papers.

Entry requirements

The aim of our entry criteria policy is to ensure students are taking courses they are well suited to and are able to make progress in. We seek to provide courses well matched to the needs of our students, helping them to follow their chosen progression pathway.

Our main College entry requirements are as follows;

Entry Requirements

A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English and Maths (at least to Level 4) from five different subject areas.

Purely vocational pathway require a minimum of four 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English and Maths (at least to Level 4) from four different subject areas.

There will be three pathways which students can follow based on an average grade produced from their seven best GCSE results. The calculation being used for this van be seen overleaf.

Pathway

Average Grade

Programme of study

Average grade of 7 or higher

3 or 4 A Levels

Average grade of 5 to 6.9

3 A Levels or a mixed A Level and Vocational pathway

Average grade of less than 5

Mixed (A Level and Vocational) or Vocational pathway

The method for calculating your average grade and additional subject requirements are within our full entry criteria document which can be found on the Sixth Form section of our website:

http://home.shelleycollege.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

As well as our general entry requirements, there are certain subjects which hold individual expectations based on GCSE outcomes.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.