The Maxwell Centre brings all three sciences: biology, chemistry and physics, together under one roof. It consists of 9 laboratories, with associated preparation areas. There is a 172 seat lecture theatre.

There are three laboratories specifically dedicated to chemistry in the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre as well as a preparation and storage room, but all nine laboratories in the new building can be used for any of the three science subjects as and when the need arises.

All three chemistry laboratories are equipped with fume cupboards and interactive white boards with projection facilities. Pupils’ benches are fitted with gas, water and ample electrical points and in addition, each pupil space has individual intranet and internet access. Much laboratory equipment, including retort stands, clamps, bosses and Bunsen burners has been replaced and a considerable amount of interactive software has been purchased. The new laboratories are light and airy and use space very efficiently to create a really first class learning and teaching environment.

Inaugurated at the start of the 2006 academic year, and sympathetically designed to harmonise with the original 1824 buildings, the Maxwell Science Centre brilliantly bridges the centuries with its sandstone, glass and zinc exterior.

The entrance foyer is a cascade of light and glass. Attractive arrow-head roof windows add to the feeling of light in the corridors and the feeling of space is enhanced by clever use of shape and form.

Under the former layout of the school, science teaching was geographically divided into its three component parts, with biology and chemistry at opposite extremes of the campus. This made it harder to share facilities and inconvenient for students following mainly science courses to establish a base.

In the new centre pupils, particularly older ones, studying a range of sciences have a far easier task moving from science subject to science subject. The coordination of facilities saves time and assists cohesive education.

A fun, practical based chemistry activity is held after school on two days a week and this is always well attended.

The department also stimulates interest in the subject by entering national competitions, such as Top of the Bench.

Senior pupils are encouraged to take part in Royal Society of Chemistry and University initiated programmes, promoting further study of chemistry and related subjects. A significant number of pupils apply for University medicine and related courses and also natural science courses, including chemistry and chemical engineering.