Chemistry
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Department Staff
- Mr Jeremy Burrows (Head of Chemistry)
- Mrs Helen Arnold
- Mrs Gail Hague
- Mr Peter Howard
- Mrs Laura James
- Dr Katrin Pohlandt-Schwandt (Science Technician)
- Mrs Mary Sinclair (Chemistry Technician)
- Mr Paul Spiers
Department Overview
At all levels in the school the department aims to
- Stimulate interest in and enthusiasm for chemistry.
- Enable pupils to understand the distinctive language, methods and logic of chemistry.
- Inculcate an appreciation of the importance of chemistry in the world around us.
- Encourage a logical and practical approach to problem solving.
- Instil a balanced view of chemicals and chemistry in our society.
- Teach and encourage sound practical skills (including safety), good working habits and study skills.
- Prepare pupils for public examinations.
Our approach is always informed by the old Chinese Proverb
"Tell me and I shall forget,
show me and I shall remember,
involve me and I shall understand"
and we aim to illustrate ideas with as much relevant experimental work as possible.
The Syllabus
We teach all classes in five modern laboratories, all equipped with fume cupboards. In Years 7 and 8, pupils are introduced to the basic ideas in chemistry and taught appropriate practical skills. We teach the IGCSE (CIE) Chemistry course for Years 9 to 11. This is a rigorous course that prepares pupils very well for A level courses. Our results at this level are outstanding and well over half of our pupils obtain A* grades each year.
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At A-level, pupils follow the Edexcel specification. This course is modular, units 1 and 2 are taken at the end of the Lower Sixth Form and unit 3 is assessed internally. These three units lead to an AS-Level grade. The modular pattern is identical for A2, but we will enter candidates for Unit 4 in January. The majority of our pupils obtain grade A at both levels, with approximately 90% of our pupils regularly attaining grade A or B.
Members of the Upper Sixth Form are encouraged to enter the Chemistry Olympiad Competition. Over recent years, several Perse pupils have achieved gold, silver and bronze medals. The department also provides tuition for pupils who may need to take AEA papers: over recent years, most pupils have obtained distinctions or merits.
Mr Jeremy Burrows
Head of Chemistry
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