Anyone done Chemistry A level in a year?

**scunner** · 14-07-2012, 01:33 PM

I didn't know there were tests to be done!

**ajay** · 15-07-2012, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by spork

Does it sound crazy to do three AS in maths, bio and chem in year 1, if they agreed to the arrangement? and continue to A2 after? That's 3 evenings a week.

Also, can anyone who's done the test after submitting an application let us know what's on the tests? I'm specifically interested in maths. I haven't looked at maths twice for 5 years now and am a bit nervous about what the tests contain and whether there are specific topics to do blitzed revision on to pass it?

I'm not sure whether you'll be allowed to do 3 AS subjects together at WLC. The staff strongly advised people on the Intensive Chemistry course to not apply for any other subjects as it will be too much. The Chemistry classes are 3 hours, so after a long day at work, you won't have any time that day for anything else. Then remember about the extra studying you'll have to do on the weekends and other days. I personally think 3 AS levels is too much, but obviously it depends on each individual's circumstances.

As for the test, last year they gave a Chemistry test and a basic science test - GCSE bitesize should be sufficient preparation.

**jcak** · 17-07-2012, 01:46 AM

I did A level chem in 2 years at sixth form, and came out with a B for a fair amount of work. Being 2/3's through a degree I have come to the conclusion working not even almost full time for A levels would mean you could do it in 6 months if intelligent enough. In addition, I had a personal tutor at £30/hour and if I had her alone for about 25 sessions she was good enough to teach me the entire chemistry A level if I could afford it. If you've done a degree to a good level you'll have no problem regressing to A level.

My recommendation: if you've studied at a higher level in a scientific background you shouldn't have much of a problem going back.

**kingdizzii** · 17-07-2012, 02:11 AM

I went from 4 U's to 4 A's using nothing more than CGP books. I just learnt those books and was sorted, if it helps at all Chemistry and biology were edexcel, business studies and psychology aqa.

**scunner** · 17-07-2012, 02:28 AM

Originally Posted by jcak

If you've done a degree to a good level you'll have no problem regressing to A level.

My recommendation: if you've studied at a higher level in a scientific background you shouldn't have much of a problem going back.

I have a BSc. Psychology and MSc. Clinical Neuroscience (both with significant biochemistry/pharmacology). I remember A Levels being difficult back when I was sixteen but I hope to find them much easier now.

**jcak** · 17-07-2012, 02:46 AM

I think at the time everyone feels they're hard, however, given that you've now had an extra 4(?) years experience I think you'll understand how to study a bit better now. I know that's certainly how I feel. I could imagine it's like thinking of re doing a GCSE when you've already sat A Levels- makes you feel pretty confident.

**spork** · 22-08-2012, 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by ajay

I'm not sure whether you'll be allowed to do 3 AS subjects together at WLC. The staff strongly advised people on the Intensive Chemistry course to not apply for any other subjects as it will be too much. The Chemistry classes are 3 hours, so after a long day at work, you won't have any time that day for anything else. Then remember about the extra studying you'll have to do on the weekends and other days. I personally think 3 AS levels is too much, but obviously it depends on each individual's circumstances.

As for the test, last year they gave a Chemistry test and a basic science test - GCSE bitesize should be sufficient preparation.

I would like to study them all at a 2 year pace, so that I do only the 3 AS exams in one year and thus can apply for uni whilst studying for my A2s like regular sixth formers. I'm aware that a) they don't offer Maths A2, which is very frustrating as I can't find any other college that offers Maths A2 in the evenings and b) I have to wait until I've finished all 2 subject exams for AS and A2 to apply for university aka 3 years others if I'm starting/stopping, starting/stopping one subject onto the next rather than having a linear, parallel progression with all 3. I don't really want to set myself up for fees in excess of £12k/year for waiting 3 years instead of 2 before going to uni!

How is the teaching for maths? I'm capable with both chem & bio (I think I could definitely do either/both A Levels in one year like resit students do at private colleges/sixth forms), but I need to be taught maths slowly and progressively, rather than just being told to go through a problem I've not encountered for years/if at all from a book. I dread failing it because I didn't understand/wasn't taught well.

**scunner** · 24-08-2012, 06:16 PM

I just enrolled at the Hammersmith college for the intensive A level Chemistry evening class.
Will I see any of you there?

**sr9538** · 30-08-2012, 10:09 PM

yes it is possible to do a level chemistry in a year. I initially got a B in chemistry but needed an A to get into medicine. I chose to resit it at a private college called Duff Miller and managed to get an A. I think it was the best decision I made and the college I chose was fantastic. The teachers at Duff Miller were really made sure I was more than prepared for my exams.

**ellie.c** · 01-09-2012, 02:44 AM

Originally Posted by scunner

I just enrolled at the Hammersmith college for the intensive A level Chemistry evening class.
Will I see any of you there?

I just finished my course at the Ealing Campus. Its intense but definitely manageable if you are motivated. Everyone there was working at least one, often two jobs, and volunteering or taking other evening classes, and most of the people I studied with got As or A*s. Good luck - I actually kind of miss it (although at the time it consumed my life) and I made loads of good friends. Highly recommended.