Some of the greatest challenges of our age will be overcome through the innovation in chemical science; climate change, population growth and famine, cancer, dementia, sustainable energy and the ongoing miniaturisation of information technology, to name but a few.
Practcal Skills
Chemistry is about developing practical skills and a systematic way of gathering and evaluating evidence. These analytical thinking skills pave the way to any number of future careers that require an ability to think logically and make impartial decisions. We aim also to fill young people with a sense of excitement and wonder of the universe and planet on which they live, the elements and compounds from which they are composed, and appreciation of the methods by which some of the greatest chemical discoveries were made.
Our curriculum builds strong foundations in Years 7–9 and prepares pupils for success at GCSE and beyond. Through an engaging programme of study, boys develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy the subject and achieve their potential.
Year 7 – 9
Warwick School pupils are immersed in separate sciences from the outset and are taught by specialist teachers. The course develops an appreciation of the particulate nature of matter and understanding how everyday observations (like dissolving, burning or filtration) can be explained systematically in terms of chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the ability to explain concepts rather than factual recall. The scientific method is also developed by frequent practical work; how to plan investigations, make valid observations and measurements, using data to support conclusions. Throughout the course, ideas about particles are developed to distinguish between physical and chemical changes and to understand the specific nature of chemical compounds.
GCSE
The GCSE course begins in Year 9 where pupils develop many of the core skills which will underpin their GCSE. This includes an understanding of atomic structure, writing formula and equations, and the Periodic Table.
Pupils in Year 10 opt for either the AQA Separate Science pathway or the AQA Combined Science pathway. Regardless of the pathway taken, the course develops a more categoric understanding of how different particles behave and interact with each other. Ultimately the themes for different types of structures and reactions are related to examples of how we observe chemistry in everyday life or industry. Practical work is frequent and the GCSE requires core practicals to be completed which are encompassed by the course. The syllabus is examined in two papers at the end of the three-year period. Both papers evaluate pupils’ understanding of their practical work and methods.
SCIENCE IN ACTION
Science in Action offers pupils the opportunity to undertake some extended science practical work. Ideal for those who love to experiment, investigate and ponder… but without the pressure of any write-ups or exams.
Freed from the confines of the syllabus, Science in Action runs a carousel of biological, chemical and physical science activities, which give pupils the chance to see some of the synthesis, analysis and applied techniques more commonly used in undergraduate laboratories.
Those choosing this course will have the opportunity to work alongside pupils and teachers from other schools and as such develop better communication skills as they form efficient working relationships. There is a degree of responsibility – some of the techniques require careful risk assessment, whilst the quality of products and results will depend upon each pupils’ own experimental diligence, as well as their ability to work in a team.
Having undertaken the first year of Science in Action, pupils may apply to carry out an independent research project. With limited places, commitment and aptitude must be shown, but the potential payoffs are huge. Working independently in Warwick School’s research-standard laboratories, pupils have the opportunity to genuinely contribute to the progress of the group’s work and get a privileged insight into the world of scientific research.
