Chemistry

We equip our pupils with a wide body of knowledge and skills that allows them to develop an awareness of the implications of chemistry for the individual, the community and the environment. We encourage pupils to understand and use the scientific method, and develop informed opinions and be able to support them with reasonable arguments.

The department works on developing girls’ scientific knowledge throughout school life, with Chemistry taught from Junior 7. We offer Higher and Advanced Higher Chemistry, as well as the Science Baccalaureate which provides excellent preparation for studying at university.

What we study in Chemistry
In S1 and S2, pupils examine different states of matter and learn how substances combine to make new compounds. Pupils acquire basic investigation skills, such as planning effective experiments, carrying them out safely and evaluating their work. The girls also have regular opportunities to design their own investigations and present their findings to the class.

In S3 and S4, pupils study for their Intermediate 2 qualification. This course covers a range of core chemistry topics, and is excellent preparation for the Higher Chemistry qualification.   

In S5, the girls work towards their Higher Chemistry exam and coursework. Higher Chemistry is both a popular and challenging qualification, and one which Craigholme pupils perform exceptionally well in; the current pass rate for Higher Chemistry is 95%.

Advanced Higher Chemistry is always a popular course in S6, and pupils learn to use in-depth and independent study to research their investigation. To achieve success at this level, pupils must be proficient in scientific writing, as well as analysing and interpreting results in a critical manner. These skills prepare our girls well for higher education.

Beyond the classroom
At Craigholme, we encourage girls to fulfil their potential by trying out new and exciting opportunities. We try to offer as many of these opportunities as possible — here are a few examples of what Craigholme pupils in the Chemistry Department have achieved in the last year, and what new pupils have to look forward to:

♦ J7 Chemistry Club     
♦ Halloween with the Nursery
♦ Salter’s Chemistry Camp   
♦ SCIS Masterclass at St Andrew’s University
♦ RSC Bill Bryson competition   
♦ RSC Chemistry Olympiad

What our pupils say about Chemistry
"I love practical chemistry, and the theory will be very useful for my course — I hope to study Dentistry at university next year." Niha (S6)

"I chose Chemistry because I would like to study Pharmacy at university. I am looking forward to starting my investigation on Paracetamol, as it will be useful for my future studies." Jasmine (S6) 

Meet the staff
Miss McLaren, Head of Chemistry
Miss McLaren is originally from Dundee, and studied Medical Biochemistry at the University of Glasgow. After graduating, Miss McLaren travelled across Europe, Asia and Australia. She has worked in a number of schools, and has been with Craigholme since 2009 as a teacher of Chemistry. Miss McLaren was appointed Head of Chemistry in 2011.

Mrs Cameron, Teacher of Chemistry
Mrs Cameron came back to teaching after various careers, including working as an editor in scientific publishing at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, and as a computer engineer for high profile IT companies. Her science teaching experience includes teaching overseas and working at a large Scottish comprehensive for many years. She is an SQA marker for Advanced Higher Chemistry projects and Standard Grade Chemistry. A keen musician, in her spare time she plays violin in the St James’ Orchestra and has now joined the ranks of the Craigholme School orchestra.

Useful links
Scholar — an online learning resource
Craigholme Chemistry blog — for our Senior pupils  
BBC bitesize — for J7–S5 pupils
Doc Brown — a wealth of information for S3–S6 pupils
Chem4kids — for Junior School pupils
Creative Chemistry — for Junior School pupils
RSC – Royal Society of Chemistry.