Chemistry at Malvern
Every opportunity is taken to promote the profile of chemistry in the College. In the lower school, students are encouraged to apply for places at the annual Salters Chemistry Camps and a team is entered in the West Midlands Chemistry Quiz. In the Sixth Form students enter the Chemistry Olympiad run by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Students are encouraged to attend the meetings of the school science society (Lucretian Society) where talks are presented by outside speakers.
The theory of Chemistry is taught as much as possible using hands-on experience of the substances and processes involved. In setting these activities in context, pupils are made aware of the industrial, social and economic aspects of the Chemistry they are studying. Pupils are taught the skills of carrying out practical work in Chemistry safely. They are made aware of career opportunities in Chemistry and, specifically, provided with chemical knowledge and understanding required for study in other areas e.g. medicine.
In the Foundation Year (Year 9), all pupils follow a common chemistry course. At the end of the Foundation Year pupils can choose between Science Double Award (Combined) or Chemistry as a separate subject. Chemistry is a popular choice of subject for Sixth Form pupils taking either A-levels or the International Baccalaureate.