Chemistry
Chemistry is taught by six members of staff who are ably supported by two technicians. The department has five well equipped laboratories and a number of smaller tutorial type rooms. The laboratories all have computing facilities and digital projectors with links to the net and use is made of CD-ROMs.
At G.C.S.E. level we normally have eight teaching groups (5 boys and 3 girls). Three of the groups follow the course to GCSE Chemistry whilst the other five take Science and Additional Science GCSE. In 2007 36% of our students gained A or A* grades and the overall pass rate was 98%.
At Advanced level we normally have over thirty students (three teaching groups) in each of the Sixth Form years (it is also possible to take Advanced Subsidiary level as a Lower Sixth course). We follow the Edexcel course and each group is taught by two teachers. The pass rate since the year 2000 at Advanced level has been 99% with 68% gaining either an A or B grade (at AS level the figures are 96% and 52%).
Practical work in integral to the courses: some teacher demonstrations are shown but the department is keen that students get as much practical experience as possible. At G.C.S.E. practical investigations contribute to the final grade whilst at Advanced level we have experience at both internal practical assessment and terminal practical examination.
Popular university courses which follow on from A level Chemistry include Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Medicine and Chemical Engineering.