Chemistry at Glenalmond College

The Chemistry Department at Glenalmond College aims to encourage and stimulate, as well as challenge pupils of all abilities. We endeavour to provide them with opportunities to develop skills, both in a practical and scholastic sense, which will be useful not just in their academic careers but also in everyday life. Pupils are encouraged to become confident citizens in an increasingly technical world and to establish an informed grounding in matters of scientific interest or debate.

Syllabus

At GCSE, studying all three sciences to some level is compulsory. We follow the Edexcel International GCSE specification with the most able students being entered for all three sciences individually (GCSE Chemistry Specification) and the remaining pupils being entered for Science (double award): (GCSE Science Double Award specification).

In the Third Form we teach a foundation for IGCSE course which touches upon some elements of the specification but focuses more on developing practical skills and creating some solid Chemistry building blocks.

The bulk of the International GCSE course is covered during Fourth and Fifth form, in tiered ability groups, with the subject matter supported by extensive practical work where possible

At AS and A2 level we follow the OCR SALTERS Chemistry specification: (AS/A2 Chemistry Specification ). Pupils are placed in mixed ability groups and teaching staff follow pupils through both years of study. In addition to studying theoretical aspects, pupils pursue an extensive course of practical work. At AS level a folder of assessed experiments makes up one of the three modules whilst at A2 a more demanding Individual Investigation makes up 30% of the A2 mark.

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Department Activities

In an effort to stretch our very brightest and assist the whole academic spectrum, two extra tutorials are provided per week throughout the whole year. These tutorials are aimed primarily at examination groups in December and April/May and are also used to help students prepare for the RSC Chemistry Olympiad, pictured right.

Staff

The department is staffed by of four highly qualified and enthusiastic teachers ably assisted by a technician.

Dr Sean Wilkinson - Head of Department

Mr John Owen - Sub warden

Dr Joe Stewart - A Level Examinations Officer

Miss Theresa McLaughlin - Chemistry Specialist

Mrs Sandi Macdougall - Chemistry Technician