August 2010. The Chemistry Department had another excellent year in public Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE and sixth form A-level examinations. Results achieved exceeded Yellis predictions and national, examination board and school averages and showed significant value-added factors in the quality of the Department’s teaching and learning.

October 2009. Another spectacular Open Day! Year 10 chemists studying the chemical evolution of the earth's atmosphere created a fantastic sound, light, interactive walk through laboratory experience. With staff assistance and dry ice chemical effects, pupils escorted prospective parents and pupils through a fascinating history of how our earth's atmosphere has changed over 4.6 billion years. From an early atmosphere of mainly carbon dioxide released through volcanic activity to formation of the oceans, the first anaerobic bacteria to eventual evolution of photosynthesising algae, bacteria and plants that colonised the earth to formation of the ozone layer, our students 'recreated' every stage in this fascinating GCSE topic.

July.  Our Year 9 chemists were in regular contact with an RAF crew of the sailing boat Red Arrow, which competed in the Round Britain and Ireland race.  Pupils sent questions and received answers by email on a variety of chemistry themes from rusting and corrosion to new carbon fibre materials.  A display has been created for staff, pupils and visitors on the first floor corridor of the Science Centre.