Chemistry is the scientific study of matter and its properties.
In essence, Chemistry is the science that is central to everyday living; the skill and knowledge of chemists are integral to the development and manufacture of essential materials such as plastics, drugs, paints and dyestuffs. The department aims to illustrate the relevance of the Chemistry beyond the classroom through encouraging an inquisitive approach to the subject in a safe, friendly and positive working environment.
All teaching from Year 7 onwards is undertaken in two new, well-equipped laboratories, providing all the necessary facilities and equipment for teaching up to Advanced Level. Each laboratory is equipped with, amongst other things, digital projectors linked to the school network, laptops and extensive data capture apparatus.
Junior Chemistry; In years 7, 8 and 9 Chemistry is taught separately to the other sciences. A major aim in these early years is to develop the pupils' key skills and confidence in practical work and communication alongside acquiring a fundamental Chemical knowledge base.
GCSE Chemistry; Chemistry is a compulsory subject up to GCSE and the majority of the work covered is backed up by practical exercises. The results at GCSE over the past years have been consistently among the best in the school. The AQA science scheme is being followed, where all pupils sit the Core Science GCSE in Year 10 and the Additional Science or the Separate Chemistry is sat in Year 11.
AS/A2 level Chemistry; he subject is popular at AS level as well as A2 level and the results in exams are excellent. The students are split into sets of mixed ability with an average set size of 10 students. To embark on the A-level course, the minimum requirement is a grade B in Additional Science at GCSE and a pass in Mathematics is advantageous.
The department follows the AQA A Level specification. The subject is broken down into three areas: physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. They are studied at a foundation level to AS Level and are examined at the end of the Lower Sixth year. There is also an internally assessed practical component counting for 20% of the final AS mark.
It is hoped that the vast majority will wish to continue Chemistry in the Upper Sixth where they will study the three areas to a higher level and sit two further papers. There will be further coursework assessment for A2 counting for 10% of the total A Level marks. A variety of key skills will be assessed throughout the two-year course.
The specification is designed to encourage students to use their skills to adapt to new and changing situations and at the same time developing a link between theory and experiment. They will become aware of how information technology and instrumentation are used in the subject and the valuable contributions made by chemists to society. Towards the end of the course they will see how the various aspects of chemistry relate to one another.
On a practical level, Chemistry is vital for those considering medical or veterinary degrees and is useful in most other scientific pursuits post A Level. A much higher than average number of students go on to read the subject at Oxbridge and their success rate in tertiary education is high.
All teaching from Year 7 onwards is undertaken in two new, well-equipped laboratories, providing all the necessary facilities and equipment for teaching up to Advanced Level. Each laboratory is equipped with, amongst other things, digital projectors linked to the school network, laptops and extensive data capture apparatus.Junior Chemistry; In years 7, 8 and 9 Chemistry is taught separately to the other sciences. A major aim in these early years is to develop the pupils' key skills and confidence in practical work and communication alongside acquiring a fundamental Chemical knowledge base.
GCSE Chemistry; Chemistry is a compulsory subject up to GCSE and the majority of the work covered is backed up by practical exercises. The results at GCSE over the past years have been consistently among the best in the school. The AQA science scheme is being followed, where all pupils sit the Core Science GCSE in Year 10 and the Additional Science or the Separate Chemistry is sat in Year 11.
AS/A2 level Chemistry; he subject is popular at AS level as well as A2 level and the results in exams are excellent. The students are split into sets of mixed ability with an average set size of 10 students. To embark on the A-level course, the minimum requirement is a grade B in Additional Science at GCSE and a pass in Mathematics is advantageous.
The department follows the AQA A Level specification. The subject is broken down into three areas: physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. They are studied at a foundation level to AS Level and are examined at the end of the Lower Sixth year. There is also an internally assessed practical component counting for 20% of the final AS mark.
It is hoped that the vast majority will wish to continue Chemistry in the Upper Sixth where they will study the three areas to a higher level and sit two further papers. There will be further coursework assessment for A2 counting for 10% of the total A Level marks. A variety of key skills will be assessed throughout the two-year course.The specification is designed to encourage students to use their skills to adapt to new and changing situations and at the same time developing a link between theory and experiment. They will become aware of how information technology and instrumentation are used in the subject and the valuable contributions made by chemists to society. Towards the end of the course they will see how the various aspects of chemistry relate to one another.
On a practical level, Chemistry is vital for those considering medical or veterinary degrees and is useful in most other scientific pursuits post A Level. A much higher than average number of students go on to read the subject at Oxbridge and their success rate in tertiary education is high.
