Pupils are setted according to ability and are taught in relatively small groups. Pupils are taught by staff that, in the main, are subject specialists. They have a wealth of teaching, research, international, industrial and SEN experience between them. Pupils in Year 7 - 9 receive two lessons a week in chemistry, which increases to three per week in Years 10 and 11. In the sixth form each pupil is taught by two subject specialists. A-level pupils have eight periods a week of chemistry and Standard level and Higher level IB students receive five and seven periods per week, respectively.

The Department is proud of all its pupils and believes strongly in catering to the highest standards for their education and their enjoyment of the subject. Staff are enthusiastic and lessons are viewed as a partnership between teacher and pupils. They are dynamic, interactive, academically challenging and engaging, nurturing, creative and fun and a wide variety of teaching and learning methods and activities to suit the needs of the individual are employed.

Practical and investigative work is a strong feature in our teaching. Pupils are taught to use sophisticated pieces of equipment at an early age and to make and interpret accurate and reliable measurements and observations.

Investigative coursework is undertaken within both foundation and GCSE courses. In the sixth form internally assessed coursework and externally assessed practical tests form part of formal assessment. The Department is proud of the high level of attainment consistently shown by its students.

Incorporation of ICT within teaching, learning and experimental work features highly. Pupils are taught to use the latest ICT hardware and networked software. This, coupled with an emphasis on practical work and excellent teaching, enables each pupil to develop a strong understanding in each topic.

The Department caters well for pupils of different ability levels; it stretches and nurtures according to needs. The Department offers gifted and talented activities and enters pupils for external competitions when appropriate. As needs require, lessons are supported by the Department's technical staff and by learning support assistants. The Department operates regular clinic sessions and runs a popular Easter recess sixth form revision course. Internally-produced audio lessons and lesson support CD ROMs are available for loan, which is supplemented by a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of reference texts and journals available in an adjoining school library. Increasing student numbers take out personal subscriptions and are also members of RSC chemnet.

Students are taken on trips to develop and enhance their understanding in the subject. The Department also organises a number of extra-curricular activities. Amongst these is a thriving Salter's Practical Chemistry Club and our student chemists have joined a minority of others who have taken first place in regional competitions at universities.

The Department proudly promotes careers within the sciences and has links with a number of university chemistry departments and former students.

Visitors are most welcome to see the Department, its staff and its students in action at any time. You may also visit us on Open Day, a day you will remember.