Chemistry
Department Staff
- Mr Jeremy Burrows (Head of Chemistry)
- Miss Nicole Allcott
- Dr Christopher Anderson
- Mrs Helen Arnold
- Mr Michael Goodson
- Mrs Gill Griggs (Chemistry Technician)
- Mrs Gail Hague
- Mr Peter Howard
- Dr Katrin Pohlandt-Schwandt (Science Technician)
- Mr Paul Spiers
Department Overview
We currently teach in five modern laboratories, all equipped with fume cupboards.
At all levels in the school the department aims to
"Tell me and I shall forget,
show me and I shall remember,
involve me and I shall understand"
- 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 shown here to the right 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 the First and Second Forms (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 9-11. This is a rigorous course that prepares pupils very well for A level courses. Our GCSE results are outstanding and well over half of our pupils obtain A* grades each year.
At A-level, pupils follow the Nuffield specification from the London Board (Edexcel). 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. Unit 4 is taken in January of the Upper Sixth Form and units 5 and 6 in June. The special study area currently covered is Biochemistry. The majority of our pupils obtain grade A, 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
