CHEMISTRY

INTRODUCTION

The philosophy of the Chemistry department is that Chemistry should be an accessible science that while engaging to the learner in a relevant and active discipline provides a stimulating, thoughtful and enjoyable learning experience.

FACILITIES/RESOURCES

The Chemistry department consists of five laboratories, two newly refurbished prep rooms and a department office. Each room is equipped with data projectors and whiteboards. As befits a high-performing Independent school, we are well stocked-with chemicals and equipment, and carry out the full range of experiments and demonstrations. Open Evening demonstrations are not to be missed!

WHAT WE DO

In Chemistry the activities designed for pupils have been developed to enable them to communicate their Chemistry by understanding, discussing, debating, presenting and explaining results, interpreting results, drawing conclusions and evaluating evidence. These tasks have also been designed to develop the pupils’ personal qualities: motivation, a preparedness to tackle the unfamiliar and unknown, flexibility and creativity in overcoming difficulties and developing new approaches, perseverance, reliability and accuracy, willingness to check, monitor and control their own work, independence of thought and action. With the introduction of ‘the new A Level there is much emphasis on the essential skills – communication, independent learning, team work, numeracy and problem solving.

STAFF

Head of Chemistry:Mrs K Whitehead
Teaching Staff:Mrs C Dowding, Mr J Miller, Mrs AJ Tracey, Miss S Virdi
Chemistry Technician:Mr M Waddington

TRIPS

The Chemistry Department have taken trips to Warwick University for the ‘Chemistry In Action’ day and Leicester University to gain hands-on experience in the analysis of molecules by so-called ‘Spectroscopic Methods’