Chemistry

In 2009, the Chemistry department continued its tradition of producing excellent results at both GCSE and A level. This year, 79% of students taking Chemistry at GCSE received A* or A grades. At A2 level, 85% of our students achieved A or B grades. This is a testament to the hard work of both our students and staff and the excellent working relationships that we have developed within the department.

In conjunction with the Physics department, the Chemistry department has developed a successful scheme for contacting parents of sixth form students by email to communicate important dates and test results. This also enables parents to keep in contact with us and ask any questions regarding their son or daughter's progress. The feedback we have received has been extremely positive, with students and parents both believing that overall standards of achievement have been raised.

This year, the Chemistry department undertook its first student audit. All students from KS3 and KS4 were asked to give feedback on the way in which Chemistry is taught and assessed. The results indicated a pleasing level of interest in Chemistry. The evidence also indicated that pupils are highly motivated in Chemistry lessons and find that there is always the necessary help available when it is required. This survey has also given us the opportunity to target areas in which we can continue to improve the delivery of the curriculum and ways in which we can strive towards making our teaching of Chemistry as enjoyable, innovative and engaging as possible.

We have installed an Interactive whiteboard in the department this year and this has been at the forefront of developing new resources and initiatives in all science subjects. In the coming year, the Chemistry department will develop its ICT resources in order to develop fully interactive, exciting lessons in which all pupils are involved and can receive instant, detailed feedback on their progress.