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Chemistry
Head of Depertment: Mrs J Chubb
Mr P Allison
Mrs A Baxter
Mrs S Gurteen
Dr N Holmes
Mrs R Houghton
Technician: Mrs S Harris
Accommodation and Resources
The department has four laboratories, two preparation rooms and three separate chemical stores. Girls and staff have access to fume cupboards which allow the safe handling of noxious chemicals. A computer and LCD are available in all laboratories and the department has an interactive whiteboard to allow simulations to be used. There is a large collection of Chemistry books in the library and many reference texts are held within the department. Use of videotaped material, CDROMs and Information Technology is encouraged and interactive software is used in Years 12 and 13 for self study at school and at home.
Lower School
Each girl studies Chemistry for two periods per week. In Year 7, girls are introduced to chemical ideas via practical work. They learn the skills required to handle chemicals and apparatus safely and confidently by separating mixtures, heating substances and looking at acids and alkalis. In Year 8, using the study of elements, compounds and mixtures, correct nomenclature is reinforced and word equations are used to summarise reactions. Work on the reactivity series, preparation of gases and electrolysis ensure a demanding, yet stimulating, experience. In Year 9, girls become familiar with the particulate nature of matter and use this to explain physical phenomena. They learn about the structure of the atom and how atoms bond together. They begin to write symbol equations for reactions.
Upper School - IGCSE
All girls continue to study Chemistry to GCSE as part of their co-ordinated Science programme. These courses are taught by specialist Chemistry teachers. Chemistry may be taken either as a separate GCSE qualification for four periods a week, or as part of the Double Award qualification, when it is studied for three periods a week. The Double Award course leads to an amalgamation of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics marks presented as two identical grades.
Sixth Form - AS / A level
Chemistry is a popular and useful option, a requirement for a number of university courses and recommended for many more. The course is accessible to students who have studied either Chemistry or the Double Award Science course for GCSE. Girls not studying Mathematics at A level follow a Mathematics for Chemistry course during the two year course for one period each week. A level Chemistry allows girls to acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding of Chemistry and its application to pursue a scientific career. Its requirement for a quantitative approach and abstract thinking gives all students a worthwhile educational experience so they may become confident and environmentally aware citizens in our increasingly technological world.