History

Michael Vokins, editor of the 1994 and 2000 editions "Teaching a Nuffield Chemistry lesson makes your heart beat faster."

There have been four editions of the Nuffield Advanced Chemistry course materials. They were published in 1970, 1984, 1994 and 2000.

It was as long ago as 1961 that the Nuffield Foundation's Trustees took the momentous decision to make a major investment into the reform of science education. One of their key principles was to identify talented people and to give them the freedom and resources to develop up-to-date, challenging new courses. The continuing success of Nuffield Advanced Chemistry is a testament to the vision of those who first developed the course.

The major themes of Nuffield Chemistry were identified in the 1960s by Frank Halliwell, Ernest Coulson, Gordon Van Praagh, and Bryan Stokes. These themes have stood the test of time.

Generations of able and creative teachers have kept the course fresh and lively so that it is as relevant today as it was when first published in 1970.

As in the past, the current course has benefited from the enthusiasm of teachers from a wide range of schools and colleges who have helped to reinterpret the ideas and refresh the teaching approaches. Their energy, combined with the quality of the examiners and the support of the awarding body and publisher has been vital to the continuing success of the course.