GCE Chemistry (2016)

Become an Examiner Moderator with CCEA - GCE Chemistry

The CCEA GCE Chemistry specification encourages students to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how chemistry contributes to the success of the economy and society.

This specification is available at two levels: AS and A2. Students can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification. They can also choose to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification.

In the AS units, students build on their GCSE learning about physical and inorganic chemistry. They are also introduced to the basic concepts in organic chemistry. Students carry out prescribed practicals that allow them to develop their practical skills.

Students who continue to A2 develop their AS knowledge and progress to studying higher level concepts, equipping them to learn about analytical chemistry, transition metals, electrochemistry and organic nitrogen chemistry. Prescribed practicals are incorporated into the A2 content, enabling students to develop higher order practical skills.

The specification has six units:

  • Unit AS 1: Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
  • Unit AS 2: Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and an Introduction to Organic Chemistry
  • Unit AS 3: Basic Practical Chemistry
  • Unit A2 1: Further Physical and Organic Chemistry
  • Unit A2 2: Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry
  • Unit A2 3: Further Practical Chemistry.

Current Specification

First teaching: from September 2016
First award of AS level: from Summer 2017
First award of A level: from Summer 2018
QAN AS level: 601/8511/9
QAN A level: 601/8512/0
Subject code: 1110
Guided learning hours AS level: 180
Guided learning hours A level: 360
Qualification level: 3

Skills developed through our GCE Chemistry

This specification builds on learning from Key Stage 4 and gives students opportunities to continue to develop the Cross-Curricular Skills and the Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities.

The specification encourages students to develop higher order thinking skills, including planning, manipulative skills, data analysis, and interpreting and evaluating results in the practical assessments. Students develop their ability to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar situations.

Students develop competence and ability in communication, practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills. They demonstrate a deep appreciation of scientific skills, and knowledge and understanding of how science works. Students also demonstrate that they understand and can apply key concepts.

For more information on this specification contact:

Elaine Lennox
Subject Officer
(028) 9590 6680
Louise Millar
Specification Support Officer
(028) 9026 1410

Work with us

There are currently no positions related to this qualification with CCEA. To see all available positions with CCEA visit our jobs section.