AS and A-level Chemistry - First teaching from September 2015 onwards

Oct 20, 2026

AS and A-level Chemistry specifications covering first teaching from September 2015 onwards, with exams in 2016 onwards. The document outlines why choose AQA, how the subject content is presented for classroom relevance and real-world interest, and how practical work links theory to reality. It describes co-teaching of AS and A-level, assessment success measures using specimen papers, and the structure of support, resources, and administration. It also lists the specification overview, subject content strands, assessment aims and objectives, and mathematical requirements for exemplification.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages96

Reading Time4 h 2 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Why choose AQA for AS and A-level Chemistry

Support and resources to help you teach

Specification at a glance

Subject content

Scheme of assessment

General administration

Mathematical requirements and exemplifications

AS practical assessment

A-level practical assessment

| AS AND ALEVEL
CHEMISTRY | | --- | | Specification
First teaching from September 2015 onwards For AS and A-level exams in 2016 onwards | Version 1.2 July 2026 Contents 1 Introduction 5 1.1 Why choose AQA for AS and A-level Chemistry 5 1.2 Support and resources to help you teach 6 2 Specification at a glance 8 2.1 Subject content 8 2.2 AS 9 2.3 A-level 10 3 Subject content 13 3.1 Physical chemistry 13 3.2 Inorganic chemistry 38 3.3 Organic chemistry 48 4 Scheme of assessment 71 4.1 Aims 71 4.2 Assessment objectives 72 4.3 Assessment weightings 73 5 General administration 75 5.1 Entries and codes 75 5.2 Overlaps with other qualifications 76 5.3 Awarding grades and reporting results 76 5.4 Re-sits and shelf life 76 5.5 Previous learning and prerequisites 76 5.6 Access to assessment: diversity and inclusion 76 5.7 Working with AQA for the first time 77 5.8 Private candidates 77 6 Mathematical requirements and exemplifications 79 6.1 Arithmetic and numerical computation 79 6.2 Handling data 81 6.3 Algebra 81 6.4 Graphs 82 6.5 Geometry and trigonometry 83 7 AS practical assessment 85 7.1 Use of apparatus and techniques 85 7.2 Required practical activities 86 [Visit](Visit aqa.org.uk/7405 for the most up-to-date specification)[ ](Visit aqa.org.uk/7405 for the most up-to-date specification)[aqa.org.uk/7405](Visit aqa.org.uk/7405 for the most up-to-date specification)[ for the most up-to-date specification](Visit aqa.org.uk/7405 for the most up-to-date specification), resources, support and administration 3 7.3 Practical skills to be assessed in written papers 87 8 A-level practical assessment 89 8.1 Use of apparatus and techniques 89 8.2 Required practical activities 90 8.3 Practical skills to be assessed in written papers 91 8.4 Practical skills to be assessed via endorsement 92 Are you using the latest version of this specification? • You will always find the most up-to-date version of this specification on our website at [aqa.org.uk/7405](aqa.org.uk/7405) • We will write to you if there are significant changes to the specification. [4](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/7405 for the most up-to-date specification)[ Visit](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/7405 for the most up-to-date specification)[ ](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/7405 for the most up-to-date specification)[aqa.org.uk/7405](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/7405 for the most up-to-date specification)[ for the most up-to-date specification](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/7405 for the most up-to-date specification), resources, support and administration 1 Introduction 1.1 Why choose AQA for AS and A-level Chemistry Relevant in the classroom and the real world We involved over a thousand teachers in developing these specifications, to ensure that the subject content is relevant to real world experiences and is interesting to teach and learn. We’ve also presented it in a straightforward way, giving you the freedom to teach in the way that works foryour students. These Chemistry specifications are a stepping stone to future study, which is why we also consulted universities, to ensure these specifications allows students to develop the skills that they want to see. This approach has led to specifications that will help you to inspire students, nurture their passion for chemistry and lay the groundwork for further study in courses such as chemistry, medicine and pharmacy. The way you teach – your choice These specifications have been written with minimal context. This means that you can select the context and applications that you feel bring the subject alive. To support you, we have also produced a range of excellent teaching resources that you can use alongside your own. Practicals at the heart of science Like you, we believe that chemistry is fundamentally an experimental subject. These specifications provide numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students with the essent

FAQs

What is the first teaching and exam timeline for these Chemistry specifications?

First teaching starts from September 2015 onwards, and the AS and A-level exams begin from 2016 onwards.

How do the AS and A-level exams relate in style and content?

The AS exams are similar in style to the A-level exams, testing a subset of the same content with less difficulty.

What role do practicals play in the Chemistry specifications?

Practicals are central: the specifications provide opportunities to use practical experiences to connect theory to real-world applications and build essential practical skills.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by PakDamar76