Chemistry
Chemistry is often known as the ‘central science’, since it involves principles and practices that connect with other scientific subjects, including Physics, Mathematics, Biology, medicine and earth and environmental sciences.
It touches almost every aspect of our existence, from food and farming to the air we breathe, while chemical technologies are at the forefront of advances in fields such as health, materials and energy usage. In short, Chemistry is fundamental to our world and to our progress as a society.
The study of Chemistry is, therefore, both fascinating and intellectually demanding. At QE, it involves learning through collaborative discovery: pupils are encouraged to engage in discussion and to ask questions pertinent to the objectives of the lesson. Our aim is that all boys should acquire a good understanding of the fundamentals of Chemistry and of why material processes occur.
We aim to teach boys how to think for themselves and work logically through a problem so that, in time, they will be able to apply knowledge of one situation in order to evaluate and predict the outcomes of another.
Practical work naturally underpins learning in this subject, and extensive resources are available to the department to support teaching.
Chemistry is a very popular subject in the Sixth Form and many boys pursue Science-based courses at university. Since the chemical and allied industries – fuels, pharmaceuticals, fragrances – are the UK economy’s most important manufacturing industries, career prospects are excellent.
Upper School pupil: finding out for himself
Max Kupfer relishes the interactive nature of Chemistry lessons. “I really enjoy the practical lessons and having the opportunity to discover something for myself, not just being told.” He attributes his progress in the subject to the friendliness and approachability of his teachers: “They are always happy to answer any questions or address any misconceptions I may have had.”
He has found the School’s Chemistry Clinic a useful resource when he has needed additional help. Max is considering taking Chemistry at A-level. He does not yet have any definite career plans and is trying to keep his options open.
Old Elizabethans: Oilman's international career
Former School Captain Jason Breslaw (OE 1994–2001) has forged an international career with oil giant BP since graduating from Cambridge with a degree in Natural Sciences in 2004.
Originally based in London, from where he covered a territory including Europe, Africa and Russia, he moved in 2016 to lead the multinational company’s distillate trading origination business across the Americas.
A much-lauded industry conference speaker with more than a decade's experience working on BP's oil trading floors in London and Chicago, he is involved in trading in marine, aviation and ground fuels. He also plays a leading part in the company's global Marpol (Marine Pollution) 2020 project.
Upper School pupil: enjoying the scope and the depth
“Chemistry has always been one of my favourite subjects,” says George Raynor. “I really enjoyed studying Science up to GCSE and have found the A-level course even more rewarding, especially in terms of the level of detail and the scope of topics covered.” He is particularly fascinated by the aspects of Chemistry which overlap with Biology. “My favourite topics relate to reaction mechanisms and structure and bonding, as they help to explain many aspects of science we see in the news.”
A former Senior Vice-Captain of the School, George is involved in many extra-curricular activities, including music, drama and rugby. He also supports the Chemistry Society, where he helps younger pupils conduct practical experiments.
“I have applied for a Natural Sciences course at university. This would allow me to study both Chemistry and Biology at a higher level, then specialise in a subject which combines both sciences.”
Old Elizabethans: Global expert on supply chains
After reading Chemistry at Birmingham, US-based Stuart Blinder (OE 1961-1968) went on to build an illustrious career with Unilever. He is now a sought-after expert on international supply chains.
After Birmingham, Stuart took a Finance and Marketing double major MBA from Manchester Business School in 1971-1973. He then spent 26 years with Unilever, rising to become Senior Vice President, Business Strategy & Co-Leader of E-Commerce Branding Initiatives in North America.
After a number of years with international consulting and advisory services firm, Equus, he is now CEO of the independent business which manages all aspects of the product value chain for Crabtree & Evelyn, the international retailer of body, fragrance and home care products.
In the lab
