Academic Departments

Chemistry

The chemistry department offers pupils the opportunity to study and learn chemistry in a stimulating and friendly environment. A wide variety of resources are employed to ensure this subject is taught in a way that highlights the relevance and context of chemistry in society today.  It also develops the qualities of analysis, logical thought, scientific inquisition and reasoning.  It is our aim to promote an interest and enthusiasm for chemistry, and science in general.

AS and A Level:

With the introduction of the new GCE courses from September 2008 the Edexcel A level Chemistry specification is followed.  The specification enables contemporary chemistry contexts to be included and is designed to encourage more students to study chemistry.

The course includes the study of different aspects of chemistry that are often in the media, and that affect the lives of pupils.  Fundamental chemistry concepts are covered in order to explain many different aspects of contemporary chemistry, such as climate change, green chemistry, pharmaceuticals and chemistry research.

The course builds on the Chemistry covered at GCSE and pupils with Additional Science or Chemistry GCSE can pursue the subject at A level.

 

GCSE:

At Sutton Valence we offer a range of courses at GCSE level; the three separate sciences and the Science and Additional Science courses are available.  The Edexcel syllabus is currently followed.  The new AQA specification will be followed when the new Science specifications come into force in September 2011.  Pupils in the Fourth Form can opt to take all three of the separate sciences or instead can choose to follow the Additional Science course.  All pupils take the Science GCSE course whilst in the Third Form.  In all cases the chemistry component is taught by a subject specialist.

Key Stage 3:

The First and Second Form pupils follow a combined science course which covers each of the three principal sciences.  In the chemistry component pupils study material based on the requirements for the new KS3 National Curriculum and Common Entrance.

 

Head of Department:
Simon Hiscocks BSc (Hons), MA, PhD, CChem, MRSC

Departmental Staff:
Jackie Fletcher BSc (Hons)
Karen Christopherson (Technical Support)

 

Sutton Valence School,
Maidstone, Kent ME17 3HL
Tel: 01622 845200
Fax: 01622 844103
enquiries@svs.org.uk

Sutton Valence Preparatory School, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3RF
Tel: 01622 842117
Fax: 01622 844201
enquiries@svprep.svs.org.uk