Howell's School

“The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them.” William Lawrence Bragg

Chemistry is the branch of the natural sciences that deals with substances: what they are made of, how they interact and the role they play in all living things. It is the study of matter-materials-"stuff", and as such is vital to life.

Our aim is to enable students to appreciate chemistry in relation to their world, to do so in a safe, purposeful and enjoyable environment and throughout the course to introduce and improve mental and practical skills relevant to all their studies.

Essentially years 7 to 9 provide an introduction to the subject. All teaching takes place within the laboratory and predominantly through class practical work. By the end of year 7 students will be familiar with the laboratory and capable of working in safety with a high level of independence. The practical applications of chemistry studied are then increasingly placed within a theoretical framework to secure a solid foundation on which to continue forward to GCSE. At this stage students will have acquired a level of skills vital to all citizens in our increasingly technological world and, equally as important, the ability to consider scientific matters with informed interest.

Chemistry is an option at GCSE, AS and A2 levels. It is taught throughout Howell's by experienced, specialist staff.

Salters Chemistry Camps
Each year the department identifies up to 3 year 10 students that it considers will benefit most from attendance at Chemistry Camps held over the summer months at UK Universities. Participants benefit from the camps through an increased awareness of the applications of chemistry, delivered via an exciting activity-based programme, whilst enjoying a taster of campus life.

Chemistry Club
Chemistry Club is held as an enrichment activity and is very popular with students. Many of the activities are led, under supervision, by 6th form chemistry students.