Staff
Mr R N Marshall MSc, BSc (Deputy Head (Academic), Head of Science, Head of Department)
Mr D P Cassidy BSc (Head of 4th Year)
Miss H C Martin MChem
Mr A A Phillips BA
Mrs D Bailey (Laboratory Technician)
Aims
We aim to provide boys with a valuable educational experience that stimulates curiosity, interest and enjoyment of Chemistry whilst equipping them with effective communication and social skills useful for further study and careers in the scientific field. Our examination results at AS, A2 and GCSE are outstanding both in terms of A*, A, B quota, and also in terms of value added.
Outline of work
All boys study Chemistry as a separate science from the First year through to GCSE. Key Stage 3 plus is delivered in the First and Second years and aims to provide the boys with an appropriate knowledge base for further study in two academic years, in contrast to the national norm of three years. The course also aims to teach safe laboratory practice, to equip pupils with basic practical and data presentation skills and to introduce the techniques of scientific investigation.
GCSE Chemistry begins in the Third Form with AQA GCSE Chemistry Unit 1. During this academic year the key concepts of Core Chemistry are laid, together with the first opportunity to attempt an ISA Practical/ISA Examination (equivalent to the old 'Coursework' element of GCSE) worth 25% of the final GCSE mark. There is a continued emphasis on practical. The three year GCSE model allows boys to study Separate Scinces without compromising their ability to choose additional subjects at GCSE, a particular advantage to a talented BGS boy.
Fourth Formers study AQA GCSE Chemistry Unit 2, whilst also consolidating Unit 1 content in preparation for their Unit 1 modular examinations. In the Fifth Form, students study AQA GCSE Chemistry Unit 3, whilst also consolidating Unit 2 content ready for their examinations in January of the Fifth Year.
As already stated, the three year GCSE course enables all boys to study separate Chemistry, indeed all three sciences as separate sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, gaining three GCSE grades, not merely two GCSE grades (Core and Additional Science), as is the national norm. We are proud to have maintained our practical course content despite changes to the GCSE Curriculum in September 2006.
The current Upper Sixth Form studied AQA GCE AS Chemistry 5421 in the Lower Sixth, progressing onto studying AQA GCE A2 Chemistry 6421. Examinations are taken in January and June. This is the last year that the A Level course will be offered.
The current Lower Sixth study the new AS AQA Chemistry specification 2420. Unit 1 examinations are taken in January, Unit 2 examinations are taken in June. Our objective is to ensure that learning is enjoyable and enhances a candidate's enthusiasm for Chemistry. As with GCSE, practical work is at the heart of the course and forms part of the pupils final examination result as an internally marked practical assessment (PSA). Examination assessment time has reduced compared with the old A Level course to three hours at AS and three and a half hours at A2. Boys in the Lower Sixth will progress to the New A2 AQA specification, taught for the first time in 2009-10.
End of topic tests and mock examinations are set for each module. Past papers are set as revision exercises, and answers are available. Independent learning is encouraged and nurtured with students making full use of the school's VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) to enhance their learning. The VLE facilitates interaction between learners and staff irrespective of location and time; an outstanding learning resource.
Teaching methods
We aim to build on existing scientific ideas, challenging misconceptions and stimulating debate. Practical work is at the core of all topics delivered, irrespective of year group. Whilst the ability to recall and apply the knowledge set out in the syllabus for each year group means that the boys are well prepared to meet the demands of external examination boards, we see practical work as being equally valuable. Who doesn’t love a Chemistry experiment?
ICT is used regularly to support learning in and out of the classroom and will be integral to our remodelling of Chemistry and Science. Teaching staff are committed to enabling the boys in their care to exceed their own personal targets, maximising their potential and promoting a genuine love of learning. Employing principles of Accelerated Learning, Personalised Learning, Assessment for Learning, Brain Gym and Constructivist Learning Theory, lessons are stimulating and varied, taking into account pupils’ individual learning styles. Lessons are delivered by very well qualified, professional teachers with excellent subject knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for their subject.
Resources
The Chemistry department is situated alongside the departments of Physics and Biology in the science wing of the school. The teaching facilities comprise two large laboratories with fume cupboards, each with ICT facilities/projectors, an adjoining preparation room and a separate teaching room with a demonstration bench. The Chemistry department and Science departments as a whole are in the midst of a Science development programme designed to create cutting edge, multi-functional Laboratories with integrated ICT facilities. We do hope to inspire a new generation of Chemists for the 21st Century!
Outside the classroom
Opportunities are provided for pupils to experience science outside the classroom wherever possible. This has included visits by Sixth and Seventh Formers to university laboratories and participation in the Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Top of the Bench’ competition (www.rsc.org) and the ‘Salters’ Festivals of Chemistry’ (www.festivalsofchemistry.co.uk). Several pupils have been nominated for, and selected to attend, Salters’ Chemistry camps (www.salters.co.uk). A Chemistry club is planned for later this year.