Chemistry
At Downside School we are passionate and enthusiastic about chemistry. The department aims to produce a generation of open-minded inquirers who are skilled at applying new ideas to new and exciting contexts. When studying chemistry you will develop your skills in listening, communication, problem-solving and apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings. We look at the issues facing the world today and ways to solve them e.g. plastic pollution, global warming, overuse of fertilizers, and ozone depletion. Hopefully instilling an appreciation and care for the world around us. This is why Chemistry is often a desirable subject choice on further education and employment applications and allows students to enter a wide range of careers from the more obvious science based careers to the less obvious areas of accountancy and management consultancy.
We have two dedicated laboratories that have recently been refurbished and equipped with projectors, interactive whiteboards and fume cupboards for practicals.
All students will start their study of the Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Chemistry course in the Third Form. The topic areas in the course provide a thorough grounding in the basics of chemistry and provide an excellent foundation for study of the Sciences at A-level. We follow the AQA course at A-Level and students will sit three papers covering all areas of chemistry: Inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.
Sixth Form students can develop their problem solving skills by taking part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and students are also encouraged to share their interest in a particular chemistry topic via the science club run by the science department prefects.
PAUL HUNT
Head of Chemistry
Chemistry is a mystery of chemicals, and chemists are the detectives who solve the mystery.Maanyaa Jain