Chemistry
The Chemistry Department is very successful in terms of both academic achievement and extracurricular activities. All pupils study Chemistry to GCSE and approximately a third of them continue the subject in the Sixth Form.
STAFF
Dr P J Knight (Head of Department)
Mr I S Kalsi
Mr M J Masters (Contingent Commander CCF)
Mrs M R Prowse
Mr R A Smith
Mr I R Tovey
Mrs B Lewell (Senior Science Technician)
Ms R J Selby (Chemistry Technician)
FACILITIES
The departmental accommodation has two teaching suites, one for years 7 to 11, and the other for advanced level. Each comprises two spacious laboratories with adjoining preparation room and offices. All laboratories are well equipped with apparatus and reagents. Teaching resources include networked computers, laptops and multimedia projectors.
CURRICULUM
In year 9, selected topics from the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification are taught and in years 10 and 11 the majority of pupils choose to take the Chemistry GCSE with the remainder studying for the Science and Additional Science GCSEs. GCSE module tests are taken at the end of years 10 and 11. AQA modular AS and A Levels are offered in years 12 and 13, with module 1 and 4 tests being taken in January for years 12 and 13 respectively.
ETHOS
This lively department prides itself on having excellent teacher-pupil relationships, an enthusiastic and logical delivery of subject matter and being available to pupils on an 'open house' basis. We offer both good resources and feedback to pupils through prompt and careful marking of homework, tests and coursework.
DESTINATIONS
The majority of our pupils who have taken A Level Chemistry carry on to further study at university. A Level Chemistry is, of course, a pre-requisite for Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Pharmacy and other Biologically orientated degrees, as well as many of a more general scientific nature. In addition a number have undertaken pure Chemistry degrees at prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
A Junior Chemistry Club meets one lunchtime a week for pupils from years 7 to 9 to carry out project work leading to the Bronze or Silver CREST Awards. An increasing number of Sixth Form students have been involved in CREST Gold Award projects, provided by local universities as well as other institutions and companies and funded by the Nuffield Foundation. These projects may be selected to enter regional and National competitions and recent successes include winning the National Finals and West Midlands Finals, and presenting projects at the Royal Institution.
Chemistry Lectures at Birmingham University are regularly attended by Sixth formers.
In addition a number of competitions are entered, including, in recent years, The RSC Chemistry Olympiad, West Midlands Chemistry Teachers Association Quiz and Salters' Chemistry Club 'Festivals of Chemistry'.
CONTACT
For more information, contact the department head at: