Chemistry : home Chemistry is the linking science that asks questions about materials, the differences between them, how they react with one another and how heat or other forms of energy affect them. What are the things around you made of? What happens when fuels burn? How is margarine made? What can Chemists do to help the planet for the future? All these questions are of interest to Chemists. AimsThe aims of the department are to deliver the contents of the specifications by a range of innovative teaching strategies reinforced by both investigative tasks and practical activities. There are many ways to teach and many ways to learn. Unsurprisingly, then, there is no single teaching-style in the Chemistry Department. Teachers are encouraged to develop their delivery in ways with which they are comfortable, and to adapt their methods to the varying needs of boys of different kinds and levels of ability. In-service training encourages teachers to become confident in the use of technology to deliver their subjects in varied and interesting ways, and to share with colleagues their experiences of different approaches to teaching particular parts of a specification. The department works well together as a team and are happy to share learning styles and assist each other in developing interesting and up to date techniques. A wide range of worksheets and internet links and presentations are available on the shared area of the School network. The Chemistry Department strives to:
CurriculumAt Key Stage 3, in Years 8 to 10, the following topics are covered:
At Key Stage 4, pupils may choose to study either CCEA Chemistry as a separate science or as part of CCEA non-modular Double Award Science. At AS and A2 level, the Examination Board is CCEA. Facilities and resourcesCampbell College has four Chemistry laboratories. In addition the Department has well-stocked preparation rooms, and smaller rooms with particular functions, such as storage of dry, wet and hazardous materials. All Chemistry Masters have their own laboratories, which combine a desk area for class teaching, and bench space for practical work. The bench areas have a full range of services. This arrangement allows great flexibility both in terms of room layout, and in use of time, with the transition between practical and theoretical activity able to be made very quickly. Safety is a major concern in modern science teaching. All our staff has received appropriate safety training, and a wide range of safety-related equipment, such as extractor fans and fume cupboards (two in fixed cupboards in each Chemistry lab), is in use. All the Chemistry laboratories are equipped with data projectors and a networked computer for easy use of IT, including Internet access and electronic data logging. StaffMr DWD McDowell (Head of Department) |