Revision Notes by Specification Reference
Select a specification section to access structured OCR revision notes, practical links and exam practice as pages are released.
OCR A
A Level
Chemistry
OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432) is a linear qualification assessed at the end of the two-year course. The content is organised into six modules: practical skills, foundations in chemistry, the periodic table and energy, core organic chemistry, physical chemistry and transition elements, and organic chemistry and analysis. Modules 1 to 4 also form the AS Level (H032).
A Linear Qualification
OCR A Level Chemistry A is assessed through three written papers taken at the end of the course. It is structured around specification code H432 and uses the A*-E A Level grading scale.
Practical Endorsement
Students complete a minimum of 12 practical activity groups (PAGs) and develop practical competencies throughout the course. Module 1 practical skills are assessed in the written papers, while the Practical Endorsement in Chemistry (H432/04) is reported separately as a pass.
AS Level Chemistry
OCR AS Level Chemistry A (H032) is a separate standalone qualification. The AS content is Modules 1 to 4 of the A Level and is assessed by two written papers.
Paper 1 – Periodic Table, Elements, Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
Assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. This includes atomic structure, amount of substance, acids, redox, bonding and structure, periodicity, Group 2, the halogens, enthalpy, rates, equilibrium, lattice enthalpy, entropy, electrode potentials and transition elements.
Paper 2 – Synthesis and Analytical Techniques
Assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. This includes basic organic concepts, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, haloalkanes, organic synthesis, analytical techniques, aromatic compounds, carbonyls, carboxylic acids, amines, amino acids, polymers, and NMR spectroscopy and chromatography.
Paper 3 – Unified Chemistry
Assesses content from all six modules. This paper draws the course together with synoptic questions, extended response and practical-based questions across physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.
The Three Papers – How The A Level Is Assessed
The OCR A Level is assessed through three externally examined papers. Papers 1 and 2 divide the content by module, while Paper 3 draws across all six modules and places a strong emphasis on synoptic reasoning and practical skills.
OCR Specification Pathway
OCR Chemistry A is organised into modules and numbered sections rather than Edexcel-style numbered topics. OLS course cards pool the relevant OCR sections together so that students can study coherent course units while still seeing the exact OCR learning outcomes covered.
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Take the A Level if…
OCR A Level Chemistry A – H432You need chemistry for university entry, particularly for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, chemical engineering or related science degrees. The full A Level is the standard two-year qualification used for UK university admissions.
Take the AS Level if…
OCR AS Level Chemistry A – H032You want a recognised one-year chemistry qualification without committing to the full A Level. The AS is a standalone qualification and does not contribute to the final A Level grade.
Watch a Chemistry Lesson Preview
See how OLS uses visual explanation, molecular models and specialist teacher commentary to support difficult A Level Chemistry topics.
Official Specification
The official OCR A Level Chemistry A specification covering the six modules, assessment structure, mathematical requirements and the practical endorsement.
OCR Chemistry A Specification →Past Papers & Mark Schemes
The official OCR past papers area, including exam papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for OCR A Level Chemistry A.
OCR Past Papers →Chemistry Reference Library
LibreTexts Chemistry is a free, open-access chemistry library covering a wide range of topics at A Level and beyond, useful for deeper reading and alternative explanations of difficult concepts.
LibreTexts Chemistry →