How to get an A in A-Level Chemistry in 2024

A-Level Chemistry is a very well-liked option among students. If you wish to pursue a degree in science, several universities require you to take this course. This includes challenging courses that demand top marks, including engineering and medicine career.

However, achieving success in A-Level Chemistry is by no means simple. Numerous students have difficulty comprehending the intricate reaction mechanisms, periodic patterns, and equations that are abundant in them.

Although there is a ton of general revision advice available online and in school, it can be challenging to locate specific revision guidance for a particular subject.

There is no getting around the fact that success in A-Level Chemistry requires good study. You may need to work smarter, not just harder, to achieve the best grades by adopting several helpful habits. Continue reading this article for more details.

About A Level Chemistry

A-level chemistry courses cover a range of topics, such as the interplay of matter and energy, managing reactions, the periodic table, and comprehending carbon-based compounds.

The Advanced Level (A-level) is a subject-based credential awarded as part of the General Certificate of Education and a school-leaving credential provided to students completing secondary education by educational institutions in the United Kingdom and British Crown Dependencies.

In England and Wales, they were first offered in 1951 to replace the Higher School Certificate. If an A-level student earns a grade that is of sufficient caliber, they may be admitted to a university.

Below is How to Get an A in A Level Chemistry

Only about 1 in 10 students receive an A* in A-level chemistry each summer, making it a challenging subject to pass.

Contrary to common assumptions, getting an A* requires hard work and meticulous planning, which should begin on the first day of class.

It also needs a lot of dedication to the subject.
Here is a list of possible ways to achieve an A in Level Chemistry.

#1. Practice as many A-Level Chemistry Previous Exams as You Can

The best approach to make sure you are ready for any of your A-Level exams, including Chemistry, is probably to study past papers.

Try to finish the paper under test circumstances as much as you can. That means you can’t use your phone to get distracted or look up information you forgot because it won’t be allowed throughout the exam.

As a result, nothing should come as a surprise to you when you take the actual exam. This also helps you become used to the time constraints and question formats.

Sticking to lesser mark questions and avoiding the 8–10 mark questions on past papers is a mistake many students make. Make an effort to practice these problems because even scoring half a point can improve your grade.

Mark schemes, which are incredibly helpful to answering questions in the way examiners are looking for, were already mentioned.

Examiners’ findings and exam boards’ requirements can also be helpful resources.

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#2. Practice Chemistry-Related Math Concepts

The A-Level Chemistry subject includes a significant amount of calculation. Although the actual arithmetic is typically merely adding or multiplying numbers on a calculator, the problems are trickier.

You may need to remember to adjust units or rearrange a formula because there are frequently equations involved.

See what math abilities A-level students should possess on this page of the AQA website.

You will need to comprehend what they imply and the units that are used, even though some of them may be supplied to you during the exam.

So practicing calculation problems is the best course of action. The format of exam questions and the typical ways they try to deceive you will quickly become familiar to you.

For instance, you might need to change the numerical values they provide you with into conventional units before you can use them in a formula.
Be sure to try a few lengthier calculations as your confidence grows.

There are many multi-step calculation-based questions worth six marks or more. Although they may look quite difficult, they are doable!

Looking at mark schemes can be very beneficial if you initially run into problems because they will have a clear technique demonstrated step-by-step.

After attempting a question, try to complete it on your own, and compare your progress with the marking scheme. Your improvement rate will surprise you!

Many arithmetic problems and explanations in the math sections of some Chemistry A-level textbooks are incomplete and don’t accurately reflect the exam questions.

Numerous arithmetic practice questions covering every subject are included in Calculations in AS/A Level Chemistry, together with thorough explanations on how to arrive at the correct response.

#3. Create Your Own A-Level Chemistry Revision Materials

Instead of relying solely on resources like textbooks and movies, create revision tools like mind maps and flashcards.

Making these resources is a type of active revision in and of itself, and when the exam time comes, you will have a wealth of notes to review from.

There are a few specific materials that can be very helpful, especially for A-Level Chemistry. One of these is a map that lists the information you have learned about organic synthesis.

Regardless of the exam board you choose, a significant portion of the course is in organic chemistry. 

Learning about the reactions used to change between organic molecules, including their processes, reaction conditions, and any catalysts employed, is a significant portion of this subtopic.

It can be challenging to recall the specifics of each response. A fantastic technique to review is to create a large mind map of all the reactants, products, mechanisms, and circumstances.

The knowledge being compiled into a single map is incredibly helpful because it can help organic chemistry look much less intimidating.

If you want to see examples from OCR and Physics and Maths Tutor, look at those to get a concept of how your map might seem.

Don’t be too tempted to solely rely on these tools; creating your mind map might be just as utilizing one to edit from afterward.

Making flashcards for the sections of the chemistry course that require you to remember specific details is also beneficial. 

For instance, memorizing topics like the structures of molecules or tests for particular substances is frequently all that is required.

Flashcards are an excellent tool for learning, because you can rapidly review the material and jog your memory.

#4. Make Sure You Comprehend the A-Level Chemistry Ideas Taught in Class

The A-Level Chemistry course consists of a blend of information you must learn and ideas you must comprehend. People frequently worry about memorization requirements because mistakes are simple to make.

However, you may readily review these facts at home as much as necessary to make sure they stay in your memory.

Also, rather than just recalling information, the majority of your final A-Level paper will challenge you to apply principles you already understand.

Maximize class time from the very beginning of your course. It’s simple to lose focus in class and convince yourself that you can finish your job later.

You will be grateful to yourself in the future if you try to pay attention to the teacher’s experiences during lessons.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t grasp something during a class. It will be a lot simpler if your teacher helps you understand a new concept than if you later try to figure it out on Google. Your teacher should be pleased to do this.

In addition, making sure you review what you learned that day when you go home is a fantastic method to make sure you don’t forget the material.

Try to review it frequently rather than save it all for the last minute just before your exam.

To ensure you thoroughly understand the ideas and can apply them to exam questions, bring anything you are having trouble with to one of these groups.

#5. Use The Guidelines and Examiner Reports Provided by The Exam Board

You study the examiners’ report and follow the specifications to receive an A* in A-Level Chemistry.

The third document, the examiner’s report, linked to every past paper and mark scheme, goes through every question and identifies widespread errors.

If a question was challenging for you but was generally well-answered by students, you are definitely in need of more practice on that subject.

The websites of exam boards also host the A-Level Chemistry standards. Although students occasionally only glance at them, they are valuable resource.

The specification contains all the information that could be used to test you. One strategy is to use the specification as a checklist, marking the issues you are knowledgeable, and emphasizing the ones you are less certain about.

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#6. Know Every Substance That Will Be Tested on in A-Level Chemistry

Although it is a very straightforward section of the Chemistry A-Level program, many students disregard the significance of this subject. You should expect at least one six-mark question on the tests for various compounds in your exams.

It doesn’t matter how this worded—it could be a calculation question or a practical issue—knowing the test will help you get points.

Include the reagent, circumstances, change in color or appearance, and the new compound formula with each question that mentions compound experiments.

Make sure to add pertinent equations, such as Ag+(aq) + e- = Ag(aq) for Tollen’s reagent.

Many students make the simple error of writing “clear” when describing a solution to any subject involving color change or reactions.

You must use the word “colorless” since a solution can be clear yet still have a color.

Some exam questions will ask you to discuss the tests for several compounds. For these questions, you should aim to provide example for each to avoid losing marks.

Making a grid is the best way to revise complicated tests. You will need every common molecule on one side of your grid and the conditions, changes, and reagents up top.

If you want to make things easier to study, consider adding some color or illustrations.

#7. Don’t Leave Any Questions in the A-Level Chemistry Exam Unanswered

There are several broad suggestions regarding exam technique; for additional information, follow this link from Think Student.

Never leaving queries unanswered is one of the crucial pointers you would underline for A-Level Chemistry.

For instance, it may be challenging to understand what is required of you when answering questions with a long answer.

Even though you don’t understand the entire response, you will still receive credit.

Calculation problems frequently have marks for your working out, even if you don’t get the right solution in the end.

Ensure you document your progress as you go, even if all you do is rearrange the formula; this could still count toward your grade.

#8. Make Sure You Are Comfortable Using The Tools in The A-Level Chemistry Exam

A basic set of stationery, a ruler, and a calculator are all required for an A-level chemistry exam.

You will also receive a data sheet for the exam, though, and it is a good idea to become familiar with this before the test. These can be seen on test board websites; for instance, click here to view AQAs.

You will receive a periodic table, which you will most likely need to use in the exam. I would suggest using the identical periodic table the exam board will provide you with while doing practice papers so that you are familiar with the format.

#9. To get an A* in Chemistry at The A-Level, You Must Remain Motivated.

A-Level Chemistry may be highly demanding and feels like it lasts for two long years. Due to how long it takes for everything to come together and click, many students start losing motivation.

Once they begin A2 and things get a bit simpler, many students will feel more secure with other courses. Most chemistry students don’t start until a few months before their exam.

Students frequently improve from receiving Ds and Cs on their mock tests in February to receiving As and A*s on their final exams.

Asking for assistance from your lecturers is crucial since they are the ones who know you the best and can give you the finest advice on how to revise more effectively and gain more self-confidence.

Read Also: When Do You Do Your GCSEs? Everything You Need to Know

What Percentage is an A in A-Level Chemistry

A Level Grade Percentage and the A Level Grading System.

A Level Grades	Percentage
A*	90% +
A	80-89%
B	70-79%
C	60-69%

How to Get an A in Chemistry

Rest well before your exams; last-minute cramming may work for some people, but it is usually short-term memory; understanding a topic is more important than memorizing things.

Read the questions carefully; if you think it’s unclear, you can raise your question for clarification from the examiner.

Diligently turning in work assigned by your teachers will also contribute to getting better grades, depending on the course though.

Always start with the simple issues. First, because exams are timed, it’s not necessary to answer the questions on paper in order.

The only questions with numerous parts that you must answer in order are those with multiple parts since, typically, the first part will set up the succeeding parts or provide a foundation or hints for dealing with the later sections.

Verify your answers twice (or three times, if possible), but only after moving on to the next question. It is advisable to do something else and return to double-check rather than answer a question and instantly double-check.

Concentrate on the things you can control, and stop worrying about the things that are out of your control.

For example, grade modulation, which can change a student’s grade based on the performance of other students taking the same exam, is quite common in many educational institutions. Doing and providing your best is something you can control.

You will know for sure whether you deserve an A if, after completing the paper, you realize that you didn’t offer your best effort.

But know that effort doesn’t necessarily lead to success; in academic pursuits, working shrewdly is more crucial than working hard.

See More: Can You Get a Scribe For Exams?

How to Revise for Chemistry A Level

Start your studies for A-Level Chemistry early, read your notes frequently, and practice as many past tests and problems as you can.

Instead of just remembering data and formulas, you should endeavor to comprehend the underlying theories and concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

For students who want a high-quality education and test achievement, choosing to learn how to get an A in A-level chemistry is essential, especially students who look forward to becoming a scientist.

Students can discover classes that fit their learning styles, preferences, and academic objectives.

References

• chemistrytutor.me ______ How to Get An A* in A Level Chemistry
• en.wikipedia.org ______ A-level
• quora.com _______ How do I get A’s at Chemistry A-level?

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