A Level Chemistry in Barnet for 16 to 18 Year Olds – The Compton School

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration18 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAQA awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

About this course

Free A Level Chemistry in Barnet. Classes run at The Compton School. This is a full-time daytime a level chemistry course running over 18 months. You'll study the main branches of chemistry, combining theoretical knowledge with practical and mathematical skills. Entry requires a grade 6 in Maths and at least one grade 7 and one grade 6 in Science at GCSE, plus a minimum average point score of 5.5 across your best 8 GCSE subjects.

Who this course is for

The study of Chemistry requires imagination, innovation and speculation in the design of new materials stemming from the captivating and varied world of the elements. Chemistry occupies a central position amongst the sciences due to the skills it requires such as problem solving, high level mathematics and of course practical skills . This course provides excellent coverage of the main branches of Chemistry not only as a body of knowledge but also as a field of enquiry. Lessons will include a wide range of activities including theoretical understanding to opportunities to demonstrate your experimental dexterity and data analysis skills. Observing chemistry in action is also an important part of the course which will include visits to visits to universities such as University College London as well as attending relevant chemistry conferences.

Entry requirements

6 in Maths and at least 1 grade 7 and 1 grade 6 in Science (triple science students must have a minimum grade 6 in the subject they wish to study)

To gain entry to the Sixth Form students must have a minimum point score of 5.5 or above for your best 8 GCSE subjects.

What you will learn

  • You'll study organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry across the full A Level syllabus.
  • You'll develop problem-solving skills applied to chemical reactions and mechanisms.
  • You'll apply higher-level maths to quantitative chemistry and data analysis.
  • You'll carry out practical experiments and develop laboratory technique.
  • You'll analyse and evaluate experimental data to draw scientific conclusions.
  • You'll explore how new materials and chemical processes are designed and developed.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom lessons combining theory, worked examples, and practical laboratory sessions. Assessment is by written examinations at the end of the course, set and marked by AQA. Practical skills are assessed separately through a practical endorsement, which is reported alongside your A Level grade.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Compton School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Laboratory technician: support research or testing in a lab setting
  • Pharmaceutical technician: work in drug manufacturing or quality control
  • Chemical analyst: test and analyse substances in industrial or research contexts
  • Science technician: support teaching or research in schools or colleges
  • Environmental scientist: monitor and assess chemical impacts on the environment
  • Forensic scientist: apply chemistry skills in criminal investigation support

What you could study next

An a level chemistry qualification at Level 3 is a common entry requirement for science-based degrees.

  • BSc Chemistry or Biochemistry: degree-level study for research or industry careers
  • BSc Pharmacology or Pharmacy: leads to roles in medicine and drug development
  • BSc Chemical Engineering: combines chemistry with engineering principles
  • Foundation Year in Science: a bridge route into degree study if you need additional preparation

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