Chemistry

Departmental Staff

Mrs G Hanlan, BSc (London)
Mrs R Hood, MA (Cambridge) Head of Junior Science
Sergeant, BSc (King’s College, London) Examinations Officer
A Welch, BA (Cambridge)
Mrs J Bull BSc Technician
Ms A Draper Junior Science Technician

Science at RGS

The sciences are amongst the most popular and successful subjects at Reigate Grammar School.  All students study Biology, Physics and Chemistry up to the end of the Fifth Form (Year 11) and large numbers continue at least one of these to AS and A2 level. The sciences are also well represented in the courses students choose to follow at university: last year nearly a quarter of our Upper Sixth leavers went on to study the sciences, engineering and medicine.

All pupils in the First and Second Forms (Years 7 and 8) are taught general science using a bespoke in house course with the focus on stimulating topics and practical skills. There are also a wide variety of trips and enrichment activities including the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry, Inspiring Gases shows, SATRO problem solving competition, fieldwork at Bookham Common and Science clubs.  In the Third Form, each of the three sciences are taught by a subject specialist. In the Upper School we follow the EdExcel International GCSE (IGCSE) course, and pupils may choose either to study all three sciences as separate subjects or to opt for the Dual Award course.  In both cases, they will be taught by specialists for each subject. All three sciences are available at A-level, either together or in combination with a wide range of other subjects.

Chemistry at RGS

Chemistry is the most popular of the three science at RGS.  There are usually four sets in each year of A-level study, but increased popularity has resulted in five sets in Year 12 for 2011.  Results in recent years have been very good: at separate award IGCSE, around 80% of candidates normally achieve A* or A grades, while at A2 in the last three years over 85% of candidates obtained A*, A or B grades. For each of the past two years six students have gone on to study pure Chemistry at university. Many others go on to study related subjects at university and we have had particular success in recent years with applications to medical schools, and for Natural Sciences. Outside lessons, the department promotes a regular series of lectures, visits and clubs, including the ever-popular Pyrotechnics Club

For a summary of the course please click here.

Examination Results: Chemistry

For Double Award results, see the Biology page.