Chemistry
What do Harry Potter’s potions, Spiderman’s web, the contents of Batman’s utility belt and Sherlock Holmes’ forensic detection all have in common? The answer of course is Chemistry! The study of matter, energy and applications to everyday living from food production to the fabrics we wear, is at the heart of Chemistry.
The accommodation of the Chemistry Department currently consists of two laboratories and a prep room, all of which are due to undergo an extensive rebuilding and refurbishment programme to bring them up to the latest modern standards. The subject is taught by highly qualified specialist Chemists.
In St Philip House, boys follow a rotation system studying Chemistry as a separate science, and are exposed to the practical aspects of the subject at a very early stage in their studies.
All boys study Chemistry in the third form, in four sets. At the end of the year, boys can then opt whether or not to study the subject at GCSE. About two-thirds of boys choose to continue their study of Chemistry.
For GCSE, boys follow the OCR syllabus and there are three classes, set on ability. The course develops practical skills and uses experimentation wherever possible to exemplify the theoretical content of the subject. In total 25% of the final mark at GCSE is derived from coursework investigations undertaken during the course. Results are good, with the majority of students achieving grade B or higher.
Chemistry is also offered at both AS and A2 level following the OCR syllabus and involves the subject being taught within the following modules:
- Module 1 Foundation Chemistry
- Module 2 Chains and Rings
- Module 3 How Far, How Fast?
- Module 4 Chains Rings and Spectroscopy
- Module 5 Trends and Patterns
- Module 6 Unifying concepts
Those wishing to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary and the Physical Sciences at University often require a good Chemistry A-level as an admission requirement. There are usually between 10 and 15 students in each of the sixth form years and the course is, again, highly practical and requires the boys to complete a series of experiments as part of their practical assessment. In common with the other science departments at The Oratory, results are very good; over the past five years 67% of A level candidates have achieved A or B grades.
The Lower 6th Chemistry Group attends a revision conference at the City Temple in London. The conference organisers are experienced and well respected A Level Chemistry Examiners and they take the boys on a whistle-stop tour of the key topics in the syllabus.
T.N.Danks BSc PhD - Head of Chemistry
S.A. Bowles Bsc PhD