Chemistry

Chemistry at Caterham is fun!

In the First Year, pupils study chemistry as part of an integrated science course, learning basic experimental skills and generally becoming familiar with practical work and competent with the use of equipment.

By the Second Year, chemistry is taught as a separate subject by a specialist teacher. The pupils follow an in-house course that aims to maintain a practical emphasis whilst focusing on key areas of chemistry such as acids, rates and combustion.

In the Third Year, pupils begin to study for the Edexcel IGCSE Triple Science qualification. There is the option in the Fifth Year to take the Science Double Award, but the majority continue with the three separate sciences.

At A Level we follow the OCR A specification. There is a heavy emphasis upon practical work and this serves as good preparation for the assessed coursework component.

All A Level chemists are encouraged to participate in the various RSC promoted activities, culminating in the most able sitting for the Olympiad. Pupils have won many Gold Awards in recent years.

The vast majority of the A Level chemists go on to study chemistry related degree courses at good universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

In 2012 the Department received a Good School Guide Award: Girls taking Chemistry at AS: Level at an English School.

Biographies

David Keyworth MSc, Head of Chemistry

David is a graduate of the University of Salford with an MSc from the University of Wales. After a time in academic biochemical research into parasitology he went on to study for a PGCE. David has been Head of Chemistry since he joined Caterham in 2006. Amongst his hobbies are rock climbing and mountain walking.

Mr Richard Evans, MA, Teacher of Chemistry, Assistant Head of Aldercombe

Richard is a graduate of the University of Southampton’s School of Chemistry.  In 2013, he represented his alma mater in BBC Two’s University Challenge, winning one of his matches with the eleventh-highest margin of victory since the series began on the BBC in 1994.  After working as a research intern in the UK and as a summer camp lifeguard in Ohio, USA, he completed a PGCE, and took up his post at Caterham School in 2017.  He is steadfast in his belief that anyone who masters just a few key chemical principles is on course to become an excellent chemist.  Outside the classroom, he assists with the school’s regular swimming galas, and is also Assistant Head of Aldercombe House, but you’re equally likely to find him writing or taking part in quizzes.

Dr Denise Henriques, BSc, Teacher of Chemistry 

Mrs Harriet Howgego, MChem (Hons), Teacher of Chemistry

Dr Robert Soltysiak, MChem, Teacher of Chemistry, Assistant Head of Harestone

Rob joined Caterham in 2016 after finishing a PhD in Synthetic Chemistry at the University of Manchester, working on potential new cancer treatments. Having taught in the undergraduate laboratories at University he quickly found a real passion for teaching in the classroom and pushing students to think critically about the world around them. Around school Rob spends time in the boarding house and coaches rugby for the u13s, as well as being Second in Charge of Harestone house. Beyond school he has a keen interest in both playing and watching rugby and enjoys getting out mountain biking whenever possible. In the holidays he combines this with travelling the world and trying new foods both abroad, and in the kitchen.

Mr Edward Tyldesley, BS, Teacher of Chemistry

 

 

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