King Edward VI Shakespeare's School | Stratford-upon-Avon

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The aim of our Chemistry Department is to stimulate and encourage curiosity, interest and enjoyment of the subject through engaging lessons.

Experimental work is frequently used to enable our students to develop their understanding of Chemistry, establish sound laboratory techniques and promote independent investigative and analytical skills. All students take Chemistry to GCSE with it being a popular choice at A-Level, the AQA course is followed at both levels. Teaching is carried out by specialist staff and is supported by a dedicated technician. Every year students continue with Chemistry to University level, including a number of successful Oxbridge entrants in recent years. Teaching takes place in four laboratories, which includes a dedicated A-Level laboratory. These are fully equipped, with fume cupboards, thus enabling a wide range of practical work to be completed by students of all ages. In addition each laboratory has up to date ICT equipment including data projector. The department offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities; including lunchtime Chemistry Club for the junior students run by Sixth formers. In recent years students have also participated in the Chemistry Olympiad achieving a number of gold awards. Every year a team from Year 10 and 11 is entered for the West Midlands Chemistry Quiz, often reaching the finals and a team of Year 8 boys take part in the Salters Festival of Chemistry, winning this event on several occasions in recent years. Sixth Form students are also offered the opportunity to complete research that is of interest to them through the EPQ scheme.