Chemistry

You may be reading this web-page on an LCD screen; you may be wearing the latest hi-tech clothing.  Perhaps you’re interested in ‘green’ technology and biofuels; or you might want to know how that shampoo, hair gel or medicine works.  Chemistry lies at the heart of the material world — what you see is only half the story!  The Chemistry Department offers a hands-on, experimental programme of learning designed to stimulate the senses and use large-scale observations to peer into the nanoscopic world of atoms and molecules.

Just as the importance of Chemistry in our material world is growing, so is its popularity at Sherborne.  All boys study the subject in the Lower School: over half of each year group opt to sit the dedicated IGCSE at the end of the Fifth Form, the rest take Chemistry papers in the IGCSE Double Award Science scheme.  20-30 boys in each year go on to study the subject at A-level or for the International Baccalaureate.  The department has four, modern, double-size classrooms allowing practical work to be undertaken separately from written study, and each laboratory is equipped with the latest electronic equipment.  We are supported by two dedicated full-time technicians and a well stocked prep room — just watch and listen out for the latest demonstration!

Iain Smith MA MSci MRSC
Head of Chemistry