Chemistry

Overview of the Science Department

Science at Haberdashers’ Crayford Academy is a large department which has an extremely broad range of experience in numerous Science disciplines. We are working collaboratively to provide the best quality Science education for our young people, to ensure we stay abreast of the latest scientific innovation and teaching practises and develop beginning teachers to tier full potential. We strive to include as much practical work as possible in the education we deliver so that students receive a hands-on approach to learning.

Meet the Science teachers

Name	Role	About them
Mr G McCormack	Head of Science	Mr McCormack completed a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science before specialising with a master’s degree in Cancer Biology. He then went on to work in the cancer research industry (focused on cervical cancer) before becoming a teacher. Mr McCormack has taught at Crayford Academy since 2019, becoming Head of Science in 2023. He is passionate about social mobility and increasing the diversity in STEM based subjects. Mr McCormack has multiple affiliations with various organisations, demonstrating his love of learning.
Mr Enoh	Science 2ic KS3	Mr Enoh joined the Academy in 2021. He is passionate about all sciences, with a love for Chemistry. He can teach all sciences and PE making him a well-rounded science teacher.
Ms O'Reilly	Science 2ic KS5	Miss O’Reilly joined the Academy in 2021. She holds a degree in Neuroscience and brings her deep understanding of the brain and nervous system into her classroom. She is dedicated to fostering a love for biology and encouraging students to explore the wonders of the natural world and she runs a KS3 Science club alongside teaching.
Ms Elmi	Lead Practitioner / ITT Coordinator	Ms Elmi began working at Crayford Academy in 2016. She has a Biomedical Science degree. She teaches Psychology as well as Science and is passionate about Microbiology.
Mr Marrill	Assistant Principal / Teacher of Science	Mr Marrill joined Crayford in 2020, bringing with him many years of experience as a Science teacher and senior leader. He has a passion for teaching and a love for developing teams in order to build on current successes, making them a robust and invaluable part of school society. He firmly believes that learning never stops for students and staff alike.
Mrs Kumar	Teacher of Science	Mrs Kumar joined the Academy in 2021, following her Masters degree in Astrophysics. She is passionate for general relativity, black holes and theoretical physics.
Miss Vitalino	Teacher of Science	Ms Vitalino joined the science team in 2020 after completing a Masters degree in Chemistry, specialising in biochemistry and computational chemistry. She has a keen interest in applying technology to modern day science. She loves to help students apply scientific knowledge to everyday life, creating a better understanding of the narrative to our curriculum.
Dr A Hye	Teacher of Science	Dr Hye began working at Crayford Academy in 2022. He holds a PhD in neuroscience and Bsc in physiology and pharmacology. Prior to teaching secondary science he was involved in extensive research in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. With over 20 years in the field he has published over 85 scientific articles. Dr Hye has a passion for all things science and enjoys teaching the students about the many wonders of how science fits into our everyday life.
Mr Marchant	Teacher of Science	Mr Marchant has been working at Crayford Academy since 2023 and has recently gained QTS status. Mr Marchant holds a First Class Degree in Biology at the University of Portsmouth and a master's degree in bioinformatics from Queen Mary University of London. Mr Marchant has a passion for science and believes teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also nurturing the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers and innovators who will shape our future.
Mr Dervish	Teacher of Science	Mr Dervish completed a BSc in Biological Sciences (Medical focus) before going on to work in both veterinary and human immunodiagnostics research and product development. Mr Dervish then completed a PGCE and holds qualified teacher status.
Mr Samuels	Teacher of Science	Mr Samuels is a graduate of Church Teachers College in association with the University of the West Indies. He gained his Bsc and QTS in 2020 . Mr Samuels is driven by a passion to make complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting for students. He also serves as an AQA marker, ensuring fair and accurate student assessments, which has deepened his commitment to high standards in science education. Mr Samuels feels that teaching is a calling for him; he is proud of the impact he has made in inspiring students to explore the wonders of science.
Mr Kamga	Teacher of Science	Mr Kamga completed a bachelor’s degree with honours in Computer Science specialising in Data Science. He previously worked as a Learning Support Assistant and an online Tutor while also working on a couple of enterprise projects at Greenwich University. Mr Kamga is passionate about all sciences, and in particularly physics, and maths.
Ms Alfah	Teacher of Science	tba

Curriculum Statement

Key Stage 3

KS3 Chemistry begins by introducing the new Year 7 students to the secondary science laboratory with a cross curricular focus on lab safety and building basic skills which the students will utilise throughout their time in the Science laboratory. Having completed this introductory course students move on to learning the fundamental foundations of Chemistryâ€¯building on concepts such as Particles and their behaviour, Elements, atoms and compounds, Chemical reactions and acids and alkalis. Students in year 8 will study Separation techniques, The periodic table, Metals and acids and the Earth.

View our Key Stage 3 Chemistry Curriculum Map

Key Stage 4

With this knowledge students embark on their Key Stage 4 GCSE journey. They will both building on the fundamental knowledge gained at Key Stage 3 by revisiting topics such as Acids and alkalis, chemical reactions and the Earth and its environment. Students will deepening their understanding of Chemistry through the study of new topics such as reversible reactions and equilibria, Quantitative analysis and Hydrocarbons.

View our Key Stage 4 Chemistry Curriculum Map

Key Stage 5

Armed with this knowledge students that have studies both GCSE Combined Science and GCSE Chemistry (Separate Science) will be ready to take on the challenges of A-Level Science where a broader and deeper understanding of the intricate world of Chemistry. “Its all about the electrons” when students learn more about ionic and covalent bonding to include induced dipoles and London Dispersion forces. Not forgetting the beauty of aromatic compounds, the structure and bonding in benzene and electrophilic substitution to name but a few of the myriad of interesting A-Level Chemistry topics.

View our Key Stage 5 Chemistry Curriculum Map

What qualifications can be gained?

GCSE: Combined Science

GCSE: Chemistry (when taken alongside Chemistry and Physics as part of the Separate Science course.

A-Level Chemistry

How does Chemistry prepare students for the next stage of their education or employment?

GCSE Chemistry leads into A-Level Chemistry

Students that study A-Level Chemistry can progress to an undergraduate degree in several disciplines within Chemistry.

Chemistry graduates can enter fields such as:

Astronaut -Astronauts fly spacecraft or work as part of the crew.
Botanist -Botanists study all forms of plant life and have many different job roles in lots of areas.
Chemical engineer -Chemical engineers research and design machinery used to turn raw materials into everyday products.
Dentist -Diagnose and treat teeth and mouth problems, work to prevent dental disease, and promote oral health.
Geoscientist -Geoscientists study the structure of the - Earth and how it was formed over time.
Geotechnician- Geotechnicians work with geoscientists to collect and analyse data from soil, rocks and water.
Homeopath -Homeopaths create natural remedies to try and stimulate the body’s healing process.
Oceanographer -Oceanographers use knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and geology to study seas and oceans.
Pathologist -Pathologists diagnose disease by examining cells, tissue samples, and sometimes performing autopsies
Psychiatrist -Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat patients with mental health problems.
Surgeon -Surgeons carry out operations and medical procedures on patients.

More Information

More information about our curriculum can be found by looking at our curriculum overviews

Haberdashers' Hatcham Primary