Chemistry
Welcome to the vibrant and dynamic world of Chemistry at Westside School. Our Secondary School Chemistry Department is a hub of scientific exploration and academic excellence, dedicated to fostering a passion for the molecular mysteries that shape our world. Here, students embark on a journey of discovery, guided by a team of dedicated teachers committed to providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Meet the team
Our Chemistry Department is made up of:
Ms D Russo (Head of Department, Chemistry, Sports Science and Physical Education at Loughborough University);
Mr T Tonna (Assistant to the Science Coordinator, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences at University of Brighton);
Ms G Alecio (Chemistry at University of Southampton);
Mrs L Rodriguez (Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of Kent at Canterbury);
Dr D Percival (Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen);
Ms K Miller (Applied Chemistry, University of Glamorgan);
Miss R Colton (Chemistry at Warwick University).
Our highly skilled teachers are the backbone of the Chemistry Department. With a combination of experience and enthusiasm our team is committed to creating an environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and encourages students to question, explore, and analyse.
Vision
To cultivate a generation of curious minds and critical thinkers who appreciate the wonders of chemistry and its impact on everyday life.
Mission
Empowering students to excel in the study of chemistry through innovative teaching methods, hands-on experiments, and a curriculum that integrates theory with practical application.
Practical work
The heart of our department lies in our laboratories. Equipped with modern facilities, these laboratories serve as the canvas for students to experiment and apply theoretical knowledge. Practical sessions are not just a supplement to the curriculum; they are an integral part of the learning process, providing students with hands-on experience and enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in the principles of chemistry while fostering a love for the subject. From the fundamental concepts of atoms and molecules to the intricacies of organic and inorganic chemistry, our courses are structured to cater to students of varying levels of expertise.
Extracurricular Activities
Beyond the classroom, our Chemistry Department offers a variety of extracurricular activities to further enrich the learning experience. From Science Fairs and competitions to science clubs and STEM presentations delivered by ex-students. All of which provide our students with ample opportunities to engage with the subject beyond textbooks.
Furthermore, we prioritise the cultivation of a strong sense of community within our department. This commitment is reflected in our close collaborations with local organisations like Aqua Gib and The Nautilus Project. These partnerships play a crucial role in offering our students valuable insights and hands-on experiences, enhancing their knowledge and skills.
Student Testimonials
Sanya Chhugani
A-levels 2018
Loughborough University
Course - MEng Materials Science and Engineering, with a year in industry
Current job
Graduate Materials Engineer at James Walker
I was hired to help develop the new generation of fluoroelastomers, which are required due to upcoming EU legislation set to ban / heavily restrict PFAS chemicals (which are currently used within formulations). The focus is on creating innovative alternatives that align with the new regulations whilst maintaining the desired performance characteristics in various applications. The challenge lies in finding sustainable solutions that not only meet industry standards but also contribute to a safer and environmentally conscious future.
A-level Chemistry experience
Chemistry by far was my favourite subject during my A-levels (sorry Physics lol). The syllabus was challenging yet varied, which kept me engaged and always wanting to learn more throughout the 2 years. The dynamic nature of the subject itself, with its constant discoveries and real-world applications, made Chemistry A-level not only intellectually rewarding but also inherently fun.
The hands-on practical experiments were a highlight, making complex theories tangible and offering an interactive dimension to the learning process. Finally, the support network created by the teachers in the department helped immensely, making those challenging topics much more approachable.
Advice to former self
It's ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them, and you can't always please everyone so take care of yourself first and foremost!
Madison Mifsud
A Levels 2018
University of Reading
Masters in Pharmacy
A-level Chemistry experience
The teachers in the Chemistry department are committed to develop their students to perform to their best. I always felt supported during lessons and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the dedication and support of the staff.
Current job
I am working as a resident pharmacist for Boots. Chemistry was essential for my degree and taught me many skills which proved useful throughout my degree and my career. To this day, I still use some formulae and techniques at work that I learnt at A Level chemistry.
Advice to my former self
I would encourage myself to believe that I can succeed in the subject. I doubted myself going into it because it was challenging, but it gave me the skill set to excel in my career which is invaluable.
Daniel Todoran
A-Levels sat in 2022
MSci Chemistry with a Year Abroad in Modern Language
University of Bristol
Current Job
Student
A-level Chemistry experience
My Chemistry A-Level course at Westside School was very interesting and it involved topics from all the STEM subjects, from amino acids to mass spectrometry. During my first year of the course, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I struggled with how much more difficult the content was compared to GCSEs and two months of lockdown away from the classroom did not help. In fact, I got a C for my AS, and at one point at the start of Year 13, I was very close to dropping out from the course. Nevertheless, with the help of Mr. Tonna, Dr. Percival and Mrs. Russo, as well as months of hard work and studying, I managed to get an A* for my A-Level. My advice for Chemistry is to never give up, no matter how hard it may be at the start, it will eventually click into place and you will find it the most enjoyable subject in your A-Levels.
Current experience
The Chemistry course at university is challenging and there are a lot of assignments to complete, and often I find myself studying for hours with no breaks. Thankfully, the A-level course has provided me with the base knowledge meaning that the new concepts being introduced are not too difficult to comprehend.
Advice to former self
The sooner you realise that Year 12 is just as difficult and demanding as Year 13. Coming into A-Levels I had the very wrong perception that in the first year of the course, the content would be involving consolidation of GCSE topics, and that I would not need to revise as much as was actually expected. If you do choose Chemistry, make sure you do not waste time in Year 12 and expect to revise just as much as Year 13 if you want to excel and get the highest grades possible.