Chemistry
Chemistry is a thriving and successful subject at Watford Grammar School for Girls. The department has six specialist Chemistry teachers who work from newly refurbished labs with the support of two technicians. As well as teaching A-level and GCSE, the department contributes to teaching Science at Key Stage 3.
We believe that practical work is central to learning Chemistry at all stages. We invest heavily in new practical equipment, and are pioneering new micro-scale techniques and the use of video technology to share our practical expertise.
We offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities at all stages of the school, including running the CREST Award scheme for innovation. Every year a number of Y10 students attend Nuffield Chemistry Camps and several Y12 students obtain work experience with GlaxoSmithKline. External lectures include the popular 'Fantastic Plastic' lecture in Year 10 and 'Spectroscopy in a Suitcase' in Year 12.
GCSE: Since 2006, around 110 students in each year have been studying for AQA Chemistry GCSE alongside Physics and Biology. About 70 study Core and Additional Science as an alternative.
A-level: At present about 80 students start AS Chemistry in Year 12 each year, with perhaps 65 going on to take A2 in Year 13. We offer the Edexcel A-level - according to the exam board's online Result Plus service our results are better than those of the average independent school. There is a range of support for all A-level students - for example we prepare and enter more able students for the Chemistry Olympiad and arrange cross-year 'Buddy' schemes for those who find the subject more difficult.
