Chemistry is the science of substances – their behaviour, their properties and their transformations. It permeates every aspect of our lives, from the intricate biochemical reactions occurring in our cells to the industrial-scale extraction of metals and the manufacture of plastics, without which our modern technological society would be impossible.
Chemical advances in the last fifty years have given us an impressive diversity of benefits: drugs to fight cancer, flat-screen displays – even 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner!
The Chemistry Department at Kingston Grammar School seeks to give every student a thorough grounding in the principles of Chemistry, equipping them with the skills to understand the many contributions that chemists make to modern life and enabling them to make informed contributions to discussions on scientific issues. Lessons are vibrant and exciting and aim to instil in our students a sound knowledge of the chemical world and to encourage curiosity and the desire to become independent and lifelong learners.
Every aspect of the world today – even politics and international relations – is affected by chemistry.
Linus Pauling
Practical work forms an integral part of the study of Chemistry and is incorporated as widely as possible into the curriculum so that students gain experience of a range of analytical and preparative techniques as well as the confidence to manipulate a wide variety of apparatus. Computer-controlled data-logging, including spectroscopic devices, the experience of working with modern scientific equipment whilst molecular models bring the abstract, microscopic world of the atom into the tangible, macroscopic world of the student.
A Level
Our A Level Chemists go on to pursue a wide range of undergraduate courses, including Medicine, Veterinary Science, Engineering and Materials Science, as well as pure Chemistry, Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering.
The Chemistry Department’s activities extend well beyond the formal curriculum with a variety of co-curricular clubs and events; including contributions to Junior Science Club and The Faraday Society (for the Sixth Form, run in conjunction with Physics). There are opportunities for students to undertake small-scale research projects and Sixth Form students have been successful in the Chemistry Olympiad and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge competitions.
Chemistry A Level Course guide
Chemistry information booklet
Staff
- Head of Chemistry, Dr L Winning
- Teacher of Chemistry; Head of Taverner, Mr N Casasanto
- Miss A Clarkson; Teacher of Chemistry
- Assistant Head Curriculum and Learning; Teacher of Chemistry, Mrs A Lett
- Teacher of Chemistry, Mr C O’Collins
- Head of Upper Sixth; Second in Chemistry, Mr C Wenham
