The opening topic in the Year 9 chemistry course focuses on ceramics. In particular, how the heating and cooling process results in re-crystallisation and the formation of a new structure. This new structure resulting in a material far harder and more durable than the original.

To put this to the test pupils have been preparing their own pottery from the basic raw material; Boulder Clay. A trip to Boggle Hole resulted in the raw material being collected, while subsequent ‘puddling’ and filtering saw a basic clay produced. Each pupil then had their own sample of clay with which to produce a clay artefact. These are now drying out ready for part 2 – the firing process.

Watch this space for more on the opening topic in the Year 9 chemistry course . . .

Ian Richardson, Head of Chemistry