Chemistry

The Chemistry Department aims to provide pupils with a safe, enjoyable and purposeful experience of chemistry which will enable them to appreciate chemistry in the world in which they live, to provide a chemical input into their general education both in school and in later life, and to provide them with examination results of which they are proud and which will allow them to proceed to the next stage of their education.

In order to achieve these aims the Chemistry Department seeks to provide facilities, teaching and courses which provide the best environment for learning, a stimulating atmosphere in which pupils' interest is quickened and where they are safe to involve themselves in abundant practical work and to apply their knowledge to their everyday life.

Chemistry is housed in four specialist laboratories and a seminar room. Laboratories are divided into separate 'wet' and 'dry' areas to facilitate the practical content of lessons. Practical exercises are fundamental to the course. The teaching is supplemented by a series of workshops where small groups of pupils can improve or extend their knowledge of chemistry. ICT skills are encouraged via exercises which are integrated into the scheme of work. The Sixth Form take part in an annual Field Course, and participate in visits and chemistry-related competitions. Staff and senior pupils from the department spend one afternoon a week helping to deliver the science curriculum in a local primary school. The department also has a tradition of contributing resources and activities for the Canford Partnership visit to Tamil Nadu. A weekly Chemistry Club is available for pupils in the Shell and Fourth Form.

Careers in chemistry are everywhere too. From space research to the depths of the world's oceans, chemists are involved in collecting vital information. This means that knowledge of chemistry will give you a greater understanding of the world you live in and could lead to a career which is exciting and enjoyable with lots of variety and opportunities. You may be surprised to know that chemists also work in banking, law, publishing and accountancy.

For latest news from the Science departments at Canford, please click on the block on the right.

  • Gary Shaw
    Gary Shaw, Head of Department
    MChem (Brasenose College, Oxford), PGCE (Homerton College, Cambridge)

    Gary arrived at Canford in September 2003 from QE Barnet, London. In addition to teaching chemistry, he coaches the Colts A XV rugby, hockey and athletics, and is an officer in the Army CCF. He has been on the Canford Partnership visits to India for the last six years. Gary also runs the inter-house ' Ready, Steady Cook' competition. Out of school, he plays hockey for Wimborne Wayfarers and is a qualified hockey umpire and rugby referee. His numerous interests include travelling every holiday, cooking, scuba-diving and golf.

  • Dr David Neill
    Dr David Neill
    BSc (CNAA), PhD (Warwick), PGCE (Birmingham)

    A tutor in Lancaster House, David is involved with U15A rugby, U14B netball and U14A cricket, and is currently leader of the Canford Partnership visit to Tamil Nadu in India. David is a former Head of Department but is now the school’s Academic Enhancement Co-ordinator. A keen cook (especially of cakes and curries) he is also trying to improve his Real Tennis handicap.

  • David Allen
    David Allen
    MSc. (Swansea), PGCE (Leeds)

    Dave joined Canford in September 2008 after a teaching spell in Singapore. Aside from teaching Chemistry he is a tutor in School House and is also responsible for running the Community Service programme for the Sixth form and the Activities programme for the shells and Fourth form. He is involved with rugby coaching in the Christmas term and cricket coaching in the Summer term.

  • Alastair Tyndall
    Alastair Tyndall
    MChem (Oriel College, Oxford)

    Al joined the Chemistry Department in September 2008 having taught previously at The Cheltenham Ladies' College. He also teaches Religious Studies to GCSE level. Al is a Tutor in School House, coaches rugby and rowing and co-runs the school's 'Green Team'. In his free time he enjoys walking, singing and DJing, and in the past few years he has twice rowed in charity indoor rowing marathons.

  • Cathy Byng
    Cathy Byng
    BA (Ed) (Exeter)

    Cathy works part time in the department delivering chemistry up to GCSE. She is housemistress of Marriotts and also coaches hockey, netball and swimming.

  • Annabel Jenner
    Annabel Jenner
    MA (Cambridge, St Catharine’s) PGCE (Oxford, Lincoln College)

    Annabel studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge, before spending a year working as a research assistant for a biotechnology company. After taking some time out to travel, she completed her PGCE at Oxford in 2006 and has been teaching ever since. She joined Canford in September 2010 and teaches Biology and Chemistry. Annabel is also involved with community service work at Kingston Lacey and runs Movie Club. Her interests include the history and philosophy of science, cycling and surfing.

  • Chris Wright
    Dr Chris Wright
    D.Phil, MChem (Balliol College, Oxford)

    Chris joined the Chemistry department in September 2011 after teaching mathematics and physical chemistry to undergraduate chemists in Oxford. He is a Tutor in Court House, and a keen and accomplished rower. In his free time he enjoys walking, cycling and photography.

  • Linda Veal
    Laboratory Technician

    Linda has been at Canford since September 2008 having previously worked in the science department of a local comprehensive school. She is an invaluable member of the department and can be relied upon to get all the practical equipment ready and in the right labs, no mean feat.