Why study A-Level Chemistry? (Year 11)

This is one of three lesson plans designed for Year 11 Chemistry teachers:

• Jobs that use Chemistry (Year 11)
• Skills you learn from Chemistry (Year 11)
• Why study A-Level Chemistry? (Year 11)

These lesson plans will help you show students how Chemistry connects to their future careers.

We recommend using this lesson plan at the beginning of the spring term, as students approach their post-16 choices. It builds on the two earlier lesson plans and draws them together to help students make an informed decision. A-Level Chemistry is one post-16 route among several - this lesson plan helps students decide whether it's the right one for them, or whether Chemistry fits their future better through another route.

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Learning objectives

• Students will understand what studying A-Level Chemistry involves.
• Students will recognise how Chemistry fits different post-16 routes, not just A-Level.
• Students will be able to say whether A-Level Chemistry is right for them and why.

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Before the lesson

• You will need a computer connected to the internet and a classroom screen.
• Open the What can you do with Chemistry? page and have it ready on the screen.
• Review the page in full so you know what's in each section.
• Be ready to describe your school's A-Level Chemistry syllabus.

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During the lesson

1. Recap: jobs and skills (5 mins)

• Ask students to recall what they discussed in the earlier Year 11 lessons:
  • What jobs use Chemistry?
  • What skills does Chemistry build?
• Write their answers on the board as a quick recap.

2. Walking through the page (15 mins)

• Bring up the What can you do with Chemistry? page on the classroom screen.
• Show students the table of contents so they see the shape of what's on the page.
• Walk through the key sections together, unpacking why each one matters for their post-16 decisions:
  • Chemistry at A-Level - What the course covers and how it differs from GCSE.
  • Subjects that pair with Chemistry - Which other A-Level choices work well alongside it.
  • Where Chemistry can take you next - How Chemistry leads into further study.
• Briefly outline your school or college's A-Level syllabus, exam board, and assessment methods.

3. Is A-Level Chemistry right for you? (10 mins)

• Ask students to think about whether A-Level Chemistry fits their post-16 plan.
• Prompt them with questions:
  • Did you enjoy studying GCSE Chemistry enough to spend two more years on it?
  • Do the skills Chemistry builds matter for the career or route you're leaning towards?
  • Do the jobs Chemistry leads to appeal to you? How are they reached?
  • Are you considering medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy? If so, you'll likely need A-Level Chemistry - check the entry requirements of the courses you're interested in.
  • Does A-Level Chemistry pair well with your other post-16 choices?
  • Would a T-Level, apprenticeship, or college course work better for you?
• Close by reminding students that the best post-16 choice is the one they'll engage with - whether that's A-Levels, a T-Level, an apprenticeship, or going straight into work. Interest and effort are what lead to good results, and good results open doors.

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After the lesson

• Share the What can you do with Chemistry? page with students and their parents/carers:
  • www.coffeewith.xyz/subjects/what-can-you-do-with-chemistry
• Encourage parents/carers to explore the page with their child and to discuss the contents.
• Encourage parents/carers to also explore related videos and careers with their child.
• Use the School Tools / Activities feature to record the lesson activity:
  • Activity name: Year 11 - Why study A-Level Chemistry?
  • Activity type: Linking curriculum learning to careers