Chemistry
KS3
In Years 7 and 8 Chemistry is taught to all pupils according to the requirements of the National Curriculum and the syllabus for Common Entrance.
In Year 7 the approach is directed towards problem solving and practical investigation but opportunities are taken to introduce chemical principles in an increasingly formal way as the year progresses.
In Year 8 the trend towards increasing formality continues but as many ideas as possible are introduced through laboratory-based practical work.
We have noticed that many published teaching schemes seem to be designed to be used in a classroom rather than a laboratory. To us, this seems a great pity - we make practicals an essential part of what we do and all lessons are taught in a laboratory.
The laboratories are spacious and well–equipped, with computing facilities readily available. There is also a modern lecture theatre/audio-visual centre within the department.
All the teachers in Chemistry teach to the highest levels in the school.
To see some of our KS3 pupils' favourite demonstrations
performed by Mr Chapman,
(but recorded in a somewhat haphazard fashion by some of our pupils),
please
click here!
NOTE: The video is 7MB in size, so only view it if you have a broadband connection.
Junior Chemistry Club - smoke bomb drifting over Blundell's