Chemistry
‘We do some fun experiments in Chemistry.’ — 6th former
‘The chemists are a strange class of mortals, impelled by an almost maniacal impulse to seek their pleasures amongst smoke and vapour, soot and flames, poisons and poverty — yet amongst all these evils I seem to live so sweetly that I would rather die than change places with the King of Persia.’ — Becher, Physica Subterranea, 1667
Although written some time ago, these words echo the enthusiasm that the Chemistry department has for its subject today — an enthusiasm that we aim to transmit to Paulines by providing a rich curriculum in well-resourced laboratories. At the same time, we hope to develop virtues of scholarship such as a love of independent thinking, problem-solving and creativity.
GCSE
All boys study Chemistry with a view to sitting IGCSE Chemistry (Edexcel 4CH0) (pdf). The course covers a wide range of Chemistry, with plenty of opportunity for practical work, and provides a very solid foundation from which to transfer to further study with confidence.
AS and A level
Typically 80 pupils study AS Chemistry each year, with the vast majority staying on for A2. The course covered is the OCR Chemistry A (pdf).
All the fundamentals of the subject are covered via a variety of methods, involving much practical work, teacher demonstrations and Data-logging activities, together with time dedicated to covering the theory and developing an understanding of the underlying principles of the subject. The Public Exam achievements are high, and many boys choose to take part in the annual Chemistry Olympiad — winning 16 Gold and 13 Silver medals this year (March 2011).
A number of senior pupils are involved with the Synthetic Chemistry Club; recent and on-going work includes the synthesis of anti-cancer drugs, the purification of cholesterol via bromination, flavone synthesis and the use of the Aldol and Wittig reactions.
After St Paul’s
Every year Paulines go on to read Chemistry or Natural Sciences. Sir Richard Norman, Professor of Chemistry, and E F Caldin, writer of text books, both started their chemistry careers at St Paul's, whilst Oliver Sacks recalls his early chemical experiences in his book Uncle Tungsten.
Other Old Paulines, such as Lord Professor Robert Winston and Lord Ian McColl, have used their Chemistry to embark upon careers in medicine or veterinary science.
Chemistry staff
Ian Poots
Martin Fitzpatrick
Matthew Smith
Neil Lamb
Simon Clarke
Thomas Thomas
Tom Lowes
Academic News
International Olympiad in Informatics
Zhaoxin Wang selected for British team. More
National Schools’ French Debating
Dan Moosdeen-Mui and Francis Thomas win this year’s competition. More
Anglo-Japanese International Science Conference
The first such conference for students was held at St Paul’s this month. More
Target Two Point Zero triumphant
St Paul’s wins Bank of England & Times Interest Rate Challenge. More
Hans Woyda, 2012
St Paul’s has again won the final of this London Mathematics competition. More
