Chemistry is fundamental and it is important to embed an understanding and appreciation of how it fits into every aspect of life.
Chemistry is passionately taught by teachers whose aim is to develop a love of the subject so that pupils have informed opinions about the latest topical Science issues, or even go on to be the next world leaders in Science. The expansive laboratories allow us to successfully unite theoretical and practical elements of this subject enabling pupils to appreciate the wider contextual applications of Chemistry. Alongside the required practical tasks, we give pupils the opportunity to conduct experiments from outside of the GCSE and A Level courses, as well as many engaging demonstrations.
3rd Form pupils begin the IGCSE curriculum covering How Science Works, Particle Theory, Equations and Calculations, Bonding and The Periodic Table. Alongside the Chemistry workshops we enjoy showing pupils fun experiments from outside of the GCSE and A Level courses.
In the Sixth Form, pupils take part in a Chemistry symposium and are asked to deliver a presentation on an area of Chemistry that piques their interest. To enhance the A Level experience, U6th Form Chemists visit Bristol University for a Spectroscopy Day; all Sixth Form Chemists attend a series of ‘Chemistry in Action’ lectures and L6th Form Chemists either synthesise benzocaine or extract caffeine at Bristol University. Those completing A Level Chemistry, go on to a wide variety of degree courses, such as Medicine (Queen's University Belfast and La Universidad Europea de Madrid), Veterinary Medicine (Bristol University), Engineering (various), Biomedical Science (Aston), Pharmacy (Manchester), Science (Portsmouth), and Chemistry (Cardiff and Leicester).
Pupils follow the Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry course. As part of this course pupils study Particle Theory, Atoms and Moles, Chemical Formulae and Equations, The Periodic Table, Group 1 and Group 7 Elements, Gases in the Atmosphere, Reactions of Metals, Electrolysis, Acids, Solubility and Making Salts, Separation and Analysis, Alkanes, Alkenes, Crude Oil, Alcohols, Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Polymers, Rates of Reaction, Metal Extraction, Energetics and Equilibria.
A selection of 5th Form pupils are currently completing the Edexcel Single Award Science IGCSE. The topics studied include States of Matter, Elements, Compounds and Mixtures, Atomic Structure, The Periodic Table, Chemical Formulae and Equations, Ionic and Covalent Bonding, Group 1 and Group 7 Elements, Gases in the Atmosphere, the Reactivity Series, Acids and Alkalis, Chemical Tests, Energetics and Rates of Reactions. The specification can be found on pages 23 to 31 by clicking on the IGCSE Specification below.
At A Level the AQA Chemistry specification is followed. This involves studying Atomic Structure, Amount of Substance, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibria, Redox Reactions, Periodicity, Group 2 and Group 7 Elements, Nomenclature and Isomerism in Organic Chemistry, Alkanes, Halogenoalkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols and Organic Analysis in the first year. The second year of the course builds on the first year topics and introduces pupils to Acids and Bases, Electrode Potentials, Compounds containing the Carbonyl Group, Aromatics, Amines, Amino Acids, Polymers, Organic Synthesis, Structure Determination, Thermodynamics, Transition Metals and Reactions of Inorganic Compounds in Aqueous Solution.
Head of Department
Mrs Hannah Seal - 01749 814259
Teaching Staff
Ms Natalie Atkinson
Support Staff
Sally Crockatt
Victoria Haselgrove
Helen Lambert