Chemistry
Chemistry is concerned with the behaviour of atoms, molecules and other particles. Its study is fundamental to an understanding of the material world and Chemistry has contributed to the production of new materials for engineering. The application of chemistry has resulted in the development of modern medical techniques and many believe that the next great discoveries in medicine will come via Chemistry.
The Chemistry department is at the forefront of bringing a wide variety of teaching and learning styles into the learning experience. Practical work is central to the teaching of Chemistry and is incorporated throughout the course, with pupils developing a wide-range of skills.
Chemistry is an extremely successful and popular subject with large numbers of pupils choosing to continue to study to A-level. Achievement by pupils is high at both GCSE and A-level.
Chemistry - Staff Overview
The Chemistry Department has a number of well-qualified and enthusiastic teachers:
Mr M A Ryan BA, Merton College, Oxford, MA, Cumbria, FRSC, CChem, CSci, CSciTeach - Mr Ryan is Head of Department and is a Sixth Form teacher.
Dr P R J Crooks BSc, PhD Liverpool - Dr Crooks is a Fourth Year teacher.
Mr A D King MA, Christ Church, Oxford, MRSC - Mr King is Housemaster of Storey House, the junior boarding house.
Mr T C Matthew BSc, MSc, Manchester - Mr Matthew is Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme co-ordinator, coordinates the hockey teams in school and is also a Sixth Form teacher.
Mr D E Yates MChem, Durham – Mr Yates is a Sixth Form tutor
Mrs C Rushton MChem, Pembroke College, Oxford – Mrs Rushton is currently on maternity leave.
Mrs D Hargreaves BSc, Wales – Mrs Hargreaves teaches lower school chemistry.
Mrs N Gardner, Technician
Email Chemistry Department staff
Chemistry - 11+
11+ Curriculum
Chemistry in the Lower School follows the National Curriculum, using the Heinemann scheme with additional enhancements to add interest and challenge for the pupils. The teaching order followed is:
First Year - Particle model of solids, liquids and gases, solutions, acids & alkalis, simple chemical reactions
Second Year - atoms & elements, rocks & weathering, compounds & mixtures, the rock cycle
Chemistry - 13+
13+ Curriculum
Chemistry is followed to GCSE by all pupils and the course is designed to be both challenging and interesting.
Third Year
The Third Year pupils complete the KS3 National Curriculum, using the Heinemann scheme, before beginning their GCSE studies.
- Reactions of metals & their compounds
- Patterns of reactivity
- Environmental chemistry
- Using chemistry
By beginning the GCSE course in the Third Year, we have time to cover the topics in sufficient depth and to allow plenty of practical work to enhance learning. We follow the AQA Chemistry specification.
- Rocks & building
- Rocks & metals
- Crude oil
- Products from oil
- Plant Oils
- The changing world
Fourth Year
Structures & bonding
- Structures & properties
- How much?
- Rates of reaction
- Energy & reactions
- Electrolysis
- Acids, alkalis and salts
Fifth Year
Development of the periodic table
- More about acids & bases
- Water
- Energy calculations
- Analysis
Chemistry - Sixth Form
Sixth Form Curriculum
As the central science, Chemistry is a highly-valued subject for many and an essential subject for others. The subject provides a sound basis in scientific thinking and numerical skills. It is considered central in the science spectrum, supporting the study of physics and engineering on one side and the biological sciences on the other. It is important that anyone intending to study Medicine at university should understand that almost all medical schools state that a good A-level in Chemistry is part of their entrance requirement.
What does the course consist of? There are three major areas of Chemistry: Physical, Inorganic and Organic. Overarching these is the practical aspect of Chemistry. The AQA Board, like all the others, is changing the details of its specification and it is likely to follow this pattern:
Unit 1: Foundation Chemistry
Unit 2: Chemistry in Action
Unit 3: Practical Assessment
Unit 4: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry
Unit 5: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry
Unit 6: Practical Assessment
Exam timings
Unit 1 in January of L6, Unit 2 and 3 in June of L6
Unit 4 in January of U6, Unit 5 and 6 in June of U6
(although these are to be confirmed)
What are lessons like?
Brilliant! The Chemistry department is at the forefront of bringing a wide variety of teaching and learning styles into the learning experience. On average, one double lesson per week is devoted to practical work. The theory lessons might involve some traditional teacher-led learning and note-taking but could just as likely involve some internet activity or group work. Independent and inter-dependent learning is encouraged. The main object is that we want to help you to achieve the maximum of your potential.
6th From Extra-curricular Projects
Chemistry Olympiad
The Royal Society of Chemistry organises the Chemistry Olympiad and a number of students from LRGS prepare for and take part in the competition each year.
Guest Speakers
We have had a number of successful visits from speakers from universities and elsewhere. Recent topics have included ‘Atmospheric Chemistry’ and ‘The Chemistry of Smell’.
Sixth Form FAQs
What can Chemistry lead to?
Chemistry and chemical engineering are the obvious areas but other career routes following on from A-level Chemistry include: medicine, veterinary science, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, ecology, pharmacy, pharmacology, oceanography, biotechnology, materials science, metallurgy, engineering, agriculture. These are all probably fairly obvious but did you know that there is a surprisingly high correlation between Chemistry and Accountancy?
Where can I find out more?
Your own Chemistry teacher or Science teacher will be able to help. University prospectuses (either on paper or online) might give some clues. The Royal Society of Chemistry is keen to encourage young chemists and can offer help and advice. Their website is www.RSC.org (don’t include “.uk” unless you want something rather different!)