Departmental vision

 As a department, we strive to help each pupil achieve his/her potential and endorse the school values as the cornerstones on which we depend for the future sense of purpose and direction for our pupils and teachers.

We want our pupils to be motivated to achieve, to aspire, to give of their best and to remain focused on their studies. Pupils are supported in their learning where they have difficulty so that they will maintain their efforts and continue to be positive and hardworking, even in the face of adversity. Pupils are expected to work towards becoming more and more independent. They must, therefore, have a strong sense of responsibility and be self-motivated.

Pupils are encouraged to be respectful to each other, to their teachers and to the school environment. Equally, teachers are expected to show respect for their pupils. Debate and discussion are encouraged at appropriate times and pupils are free to express their views, however strongly felt, in an appropriate manner. Pupils and staff are expected to put the school first: they must remain loyal to the commitment they have made.

This is a caring environment in which pupils contribute to discussions about their progress and attainment targets. Everyone is encouraged to ensure that they are fair to others in all their dealings with them. We should treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.
 

Departmental aims and ethos

• Broaden pupil exposure to Chemistry in order to handle chemicals and equipment safely and make informed decisions about scientific matters in later life.
• Broaden knowledge of Chemistry at a level of detail appropriate to individual pupil ability.
• Encourage pupils to become more inquisitive, organized, disciplined, rigorous and effective in their work by creating and sustaining an interest in the study of Chemistry.
• Encourage pupils to become independent learners who can think critically and solve problems in unfamiliar situations.
• Develop a wide range of transferable skills for the world of employment.
• Ensure all pupils progress to their full potential as young chemists and to achieve the highest possible grade in GCSE and AS/ A level examinations.
• Fully prepare pupils of all ages to for their next level of scientific study or training either within the school (GCSE or AS/ A Level) or in higher education in a chemistry-related discipline.