A level Chemistry
at Kings Norton Girls' School, Birmingham · school or sixth form
What the college says
We follow the OCR A specification at A Level. This specification places chemical content and practical skills as a high priority, with students’ learning their A Level content through integration of practical activities across different concepts. This style of course develops a vast range of chemistry skills in addition to comprehension of content, which is highly favoured by universities. Particularly well developed skills are analytical thinking, scientific numeracy and a deep understanding of scientific method. Course Content A Level students will have ample opportunity to complete core practical activities throughout both years in lessons and use these to develop competency in ‘How Science Works’ skills, which go towards their practical certificate and are assessed during their written examinations. In Year 12 students study a wide range of topics from calculating the amount of chemicals present, synthesising organic chemicals to the structure and periodicity of the periodic table. In Year 13 this is expanded to cover the design of new pharmaceutical drugs, organic reactions, the phenomena of transition metals and physical chemistry. Lesson structure varies from practical tasks, research opportunities, presentations and to learning more traditional theory with vast opportunity to stretch their thinking and understanding. All lessons are taught by experienced, chemistry specialists and are designed to stretch and challenge students, with students expected to study content
What you need to get on
To gain entry to the course it is expected that students have achieved a 7 grade at GCSE Science (additional or separates) and grade 6 at GCSE mathematics. This is to ensure that are able to access the increased mathematical content (20% of the marks) of the course.
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Kings Norton Girls' School
Selly Oak Road, Birmingham, B30 1HW
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 3 September 2026 · Birmingham
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