The Royal Belfast Academical Institution

Chemistry

Chemistry

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome pupils past, present and future, and parents to the Chemistry Department within R.B.A.I.

Head of Department: Miss L Gray (Head of Chemistry and Single Award Science)

Members of Department: Mr D. Roy, Miss F. Green

Senior Technician: Miss A Moorhead

We have a thriving Chemistry department, consisting of three full-time teachers and one full-time laboratory technician. It is housed in a recently refurbished science block with three good-sized laboratories, a prep room, and a chemical store. Sixth Form pupils also have access to a Study Room for independent work and research. The department meets regularly to discuss teaching and learning strategies. We pride ourselves on delivery of high-quality lessons with excellent practical and experimental support. There is an expectation that students will aim high, reach their full potential, and enjoy the study and practice of Chemistry.

The timetable allocation for Chemistry is as follows:

Key Stage 3

2 x 35mins periods per week

GCSE

4 x 35mins periods per week

AS

8 x 35mins periods per week

A2

9 x 35mins periods per week

The topics covered at Key Stage 3 include:

Year 8

What is Science?

What is Chemistry?

Periodic Table

Year 9

States of Matter

Acids and Alkalis

Physical and Chemical Changes

Water and Solubility

Year 10

Elements, Compounds and Mixtures

Separation Techniques

Atomic Structure

Chemical Reactions

The department follows the CCEA GCSE Chemistry specification and the CCEA GCE AS and A2 specifications. Each member of the department is provided with a Surface Pro Laptop, and we use Microsoft 365 and Google Classroom to enhance our teaching.

EXAMINATION RESULTS.

Chemistry is necessary for degrees in medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, and can open up a range of careers and higher education courses in optometry, physiotherapy, pharmaceutical sciences, forensic science, biomedical and biological sciences, and environmental health and food sciences. Chemistry can also help gain direct entry into employment, especially into the scientific and related sectors. We are extremely proud of the achievements of our students in the external examinations that facilitate their chosen pathway from school.

GCSE

Year

RBAI

%A*-C

NI Av

%A*-C

NI Male

%A*-C

RBAI

%A*-B

NI Av

%A*-B

NI Male

%A*-B

2023

100.0

97.4

97.5

69.1

78.3

75.6

2022

100.0

99.0

99.0

84.4

79.8

77.4

2021 (CDG)

97.6

98.4

98.1

61.6

84.0

80.7

A2

Year

RBAI

%A*-C

NI Av

%A*-C

NI Male

%A*-C

2023

100.0

88.7

88.1

2022

94.4

88.9

87.0

2021

(CDG)

85.7

94.5

93.2

Beyond the Classroom.

The Chemistry Department provides opportunity for boys to get involved beyond their timetabled lessons through Science Club in the junior school as well as external competitions run by the Royal Society of Chemistry, such as Top of the Bench and the Crest Awards. Selected GCSE students are also offered the opportunity to attend the Chemistry at Work event run by RSC at QUB each year.

A-Level pupils are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves through participation in the Nuffield Bursary Programme, STEM summer schools at a range of UK schools and universities and entering the RSC Chemistry Olympiad.

A diverse range of talks are offered each year by the careers department that boys can attend from Year 12 upwards to enable them to gain an understanding and insight to the wide range of pathways and jobs that are available to them from studying Chemistry.

Dec
06 2023
McCullough Cup - Hockey - Final (tbc)
Dec
06 2023
Foundation Scholarship Evening
Dec
08 2023
Year 10 Workshop 'Made for More'
Dec
11 2023
Year 9 Parent Consultations - School ends at 12.55 pm
College Square East, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 6DL
Tel: 028 90 240461
© 2023 The Royal Belfast Academical Institution