focusing on basics is absoulutely meaningless if your application of the basics are useless. cause chem unlike ANY subject especially at a higher level like A LEVEL does not require much memorize its through understanding that one can apply chemistry in the papers.
although please dont get me wrong, a firm grasp on the basics us essential to even do the paper .
i suggest doing papers , its the only way to prepare applying and of course evaluation after . but this is purely my opinion
on the other hand, in terms of application , it is true that there isnt much about it , i suggest just knowing an overview such as advantage disadvantage . what and why you do it . would be sufficient.
