“Chemistry begins in the stars. The stars are the source of the chemical elements, which are the building blocks of matter and the core of our subject.”Peter Atkins FRSC
The aims of the Chemistry department are to foster inquisitiveness and develop thinking skills through an active and inclusive program of study across all years.
Practical skills are continually developed and remain a core area of lessons on a daily basis. Pupils are encouraged to utilise all their skills across all three of the science disciplines.
Years 7 - 9
Chemistry is taught alongside Biology and Physics as separate sciences. The emphasis is to focus upon investigative and analytical skills as well as the more familiar areas of subject content. Many of the tasks in the curriculum involve problem solving activities to enhance and develop thinking skills.
GCSE
The department follows the Edexcel iGCSE.
- Principles of chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Organic chemistry
All pupils are taught Chemistry as a single subject initially. However, there is the opportunity for a General Science Double Award entry across all three sciences if relevant. There is no controlled assessment at iGCSE. Practical skills are taught within lessons and examined within the terminal written papers.
Co-Curricular
The department has a Science Club for Years 7 and 8.
Trips include:
- Café Scientifique (for all Years)
- GCSE Science Live (for Years 9/10)
- Hurstmonceux Observatory (for Year 7)
- Salters Festivals of Chemistry (for Year 7)
“Pupils display exemplary scientific knowledge and interest”
ISI