Herts and Essex High School chemistry team wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry prize
Herts and Essex High School is the top secondary in the country when it comes to teaching chemistry – according to none other than the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
The subject’s team at the Warwick Road secondary, which is a designated science college, has won a prestigious prize in recognition of its “brilliance” in chemistry education.
Currently, more than 100 Herts and Essex sixth-formers study chemistry A-level – more than six times the number 12 years ago.
The seven-strong department won the RSC’s Team Prize for Excellence in Secondary and Further Education for inspiring student progress through inspirational teaching methods and fostering a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork.
The team receives £3,000, a trophy and a certificate. Each member also receives an individual token of recognition.
The Herts and Essex chemistry department provides students from a variety of backgrounds and abilities with an education in the subject that will open doors for them in the future and equip them to pursue the next steps in their life with a love of chemistry.
A significant percentage of chemistry students progress from GCSE through to A-level and then on to chemistry or related sciences at university.
After receiving the prize, the department said: “This small team has developed chemistry teaching over the past decade into a thriving centre of excellence at the school.
“The department currently has over 100 students studying Chemistry A-level in the sixth form, more than six times the number in 2012, with the final grades being achieved demonstrating excellent value added.
“This award is a very visible and tangible celebration of that work to help every young person achieve their potential in chemistry.”
Dr Helen Pain, chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The chemical sciences are at the forefront of tackling a range of challenges facing our world. From fundamental chemistry to cutting-edge innovations, the work that chemical scientists do has an important role to play in building our future.
“The inspiration, innovation and dedication of those who work in education is fundamental to the progress of the chemical sciences – shaping the future and setting our young people up to tackle the challenges and the opportunities facing our society and our planet.
“The team’s work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution.”
The Royal Society of Chemistry’s prizes have recognised excellence in chemical sciences for more than 150 years. This year’s winners join a prestigious list of past winners in the RSC’s prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work.
The Excellence in Education prizes celebrate inspirational, innovative and dedicated people working in primary, secondary, further and higher education, including teachers, technicians and more.
The prizes recognise a wide range of skills, from curriculum design to effective teaching, and from personal development to working culture.
Mary Compton, Herts and Essex High’s assistant headteacher: STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), said: “We are thrilled to celebrate our colleagues’ achievement. This well-deserved accolade highlights their exceptional collaboration, creativity and tireless passion for chemistry education.
“Their commitment is evident in every aspect of their work, from engaging lessons to innovative projects which consistently inspire students and lead to outstanding outcomes.
“This recognition is a testament to their impact in shaping the next generation of chemists and fostering a love for the subject. Congratulations to the entire team – their hard work and dedication truly deserve to be celebrated!”
Executive headteacher Cathy Tooze added: “Year on year, Herts & Essex’s chemistry department nurtures great young chemists and sees them leave the school ready to take on the world of work or exciting university destinations.
“With many of them moving into medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and other chemistry-related prestigious courses, it’s not surprising that the team won this fabulous award. So it’s official: Herts & Essex is the best school in the country for chemistry!”
The Royal Society of Chemistry is an international organisation connecting chemical scientists around the world and with society as a whole. Founded in 1841 and based in London, it has an international membership of over 50,000.
