The Chemistry department aims to create enthusiastic, informed, inquisitive and ultimately successful learners who recognise its important place in the world – particularly in its impact on all aspects of modern life from clothing to transport, the environment to pharmaceuticals.
In KS3 our focus is on giving students the laboratory skills to be able to work safely in a lab. Students have one lesson a week in years 7 and 8 and will learn basic chemical reactions, how to record experimental findings and understand these reactions in terms of the particles involved. Topics include acids and alkalis, separation techniques, particle theory, elements, mixtures and compounds, air and the atmosphere, formulae and equations, reactivity series and energy changes.
In KS4 (which begins in year 9) students commence the AQA GCSE specification. From September 2022 all students will have two lessons a week in years 7, 8 and 9. The topics studied in year 9 include atomic structure, bonding, chemical analysis and an introduction to quantitative and organic chemistry. Whilst providing the foundation for key aspects of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, the scheme of work provides opportunity for further development of students’ practical skills. In 2022 76% of year 11 students achieved grades 8 or 9.
In KS5 students follow the AQA A level specification. Chemistry is one of the most popular A level subjects with over 40 students studying the subject every year. Outside of lessons, the students have the opportunity to attend regular lectures at Birmingham University. A number of students take part in the Chemistry Olympiad annually and in 2022 14 girls entered the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.
Students are supported by lunchtime work clinics for all year groups. These sessions range from peer mentoring to structured sessions after key assessments. Students in all years are encouraged to approach their teachers at break or lunchtime if they need any help.
After studying A level, students have regularly progressed to medical, veterinary, dentistry, engineering and physical science courses at university.