Chemistry
KS3
In line with school science policy all Year 9 pupils sit the KS3 SATS in science. These are sat at school but set and marked externally.
GCSE
At GCSE the OCR Dual Award Science (Mode B) Staged Assessment is followed - details of the syllabus can be found at www.ocr.org.uk.
Advanced Level
At 'A' level the OCR course is followed - details of the syllabus can be found at www.ocr.org.uk. The Practical examination is the mode of assessment of practical skills and the Transition metal option is taken at A2.
Visits, trips and competitions
Recent chemistry trips have included a visit to Durham University by Year 13 chemists to analyse samples they had prepared of aspirin and paracetamol. All year groups have visited the Universities of Newcastle and Durham for a range of associated Chemistry lectures. A group of pupils drawn from Years 9-11 took part in the RSoC's 'Top of the Bench' competition. A group of pupils in Year 10 went to Teesside to visit a Blast furnace and steel rolling plant at Corus. Other visits are planned to local chemical plants, both small and large. Each year the best five Year 13 chemists enter the International Chemistry Olympiad competition and over the last three years students have won Gold, Silver and Bronze awards as well as commendations.
Teaching Staff
Mr Kim Jones - Head of Chemistry
When not in his Chemistry laboratory, Kim Jones is most likely to be found in School House (of which he is Housemaster), in the School’s 0.22 rifle range, in uniform as Contingent Commander of the CCF (Combined Cadet Force), conducting first aid training and/or food hygiene training, anywhere in Britain where there are mountains or abroad with school groups (whether home-grown expeditions or as a 'World Challenge Expeditions' leader). Married to Christine (who teaches French at The Chorister School, Durham) Mr Jones has three children: Gareth who, after studying Music at Cambridge, is now a Lay Clerk at Windsor Castle; Daniel, a 4th year Medical student at Leeds University and Edward, a 4th year Medical student at Durham & Newcastle University. All three are former pupils of Durham School. He may be contacted at k.jones@durhamschool.co.uk.
Recent expeditions:
2006 S.Peru with Sir William Romney School and All Hallows Catholic School
2005 argentina with Durham School
2004 Tanzania & Mt Kilimanjaro with Bishop Stopford School
2003 Mongolia with Durham School
2002 Iceland & Faroes with Durham School
2001 Iceland & Faroes with Chorister School, Durham
2000 Arctic Norway & Lofoten Islands with Chorister School, Durham
Mr Andy Wallace - Assistant Chemistry teacher
Mr Wallace is a qualified Kayak Level 2 coach, holds SPSA, ML (Summer) Award is a keen climber and kayak white water specialist, also a World Challenge Expeditions leader and may be found on mountains in Britain and abroad and often in the company of students and Mr Jones, with whom he is currently competing to complete the ML (Winter) Award first. The proprietor of a holiday apartment in the South of France, he may be contacted through school 0191 384 3867. A CCF (Army Section) Officer, Andy also 'runs' the school cross county team.
Recent Expeditions:
2003 Mongolia with Durham School
2001 Rajahstan with Durham School
1999 Kenya & Mt Kenya with Durham School
Mr David Aitken – Assistant Chemistry teacher
David went to Edinburgh University to study Biochemistry graduating with honours in Medical Microbiology. After graduating he taught English in a Japanese Junior High school for two years before returning to do a PGCE at Durham University. A keen sportsman and outdoorsman, David is involved in Rugby and the CCF and also in the Durham University Judo Club.
Mrs Lesley Bailey - Senior Laboratory Technician
Lesley is now on her third Head of Chemistry. She has an unflappable ability to cope with anything thrown her way. A scout leader, respite carer for local children the department would grind to a halt without her unstinting and very capable help.
Science
next event
Monitors' meeting
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
More forthcoming events.
recent news
Buongiorno and Hola!!
Year 5 pupils at Shincliffe Primary enjoy first taste of Italian and Spanish
Read more recent news.
photo gallery
See more photos of the senior school in the photo gallery.
Testimonials
"Our son was awarded an academic and a music scholarship. He joined in Year 7 in September 2006 and, after only two weeks, we noticed that his confidence and spirits were lifted. The staff and pupils made him feel very welcome."
Mrs Judith Dawson