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Chemistry

With around 40 pupils studying Chemistry in S6 and more than 100 at Higher in S5, the department plays a large and vibrant part in the life of pupils at the school.  Employing the most up-to-date equipment in our five well appointed laboratories, the department builds on the enthusiasm of pupils to explore the core concepts of Chemistry - the study what things are made of and how they react.

Chemistry shotIn all of our courses, pupils are engaged through the connections that are made to how Chemistry manifests itself in every day lives, for example using CSI-style forensic events, and examining the practical applications of Chemistry in the lab. Through the Chemistry Club and trips near at hand or further afield, and by entering inter-school Chemistry competitions, pupils are encouraged to take their understanding of chemistry beyond the classroom and into the context of other subject areas, such as Art and History.

S1 and S2

Pupils study Chemistry for 1 hour per week in S1 and S2.

In S1 and S2 pupils focus on the role of chemistry in the world - its impact on individuals and on their environment.

S1: Physical and Chemical changes, Separation methods, Measurement, Elements and the Periodic Table, Acids and Alkalis and Saturated solutions 

S2: Heating elements in air, Gases in the air, Corrosion, Reactivity series and Reaction rates