Science
"Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge" - Carl Sagan
What makes Science excellent at Chulmleigh?
Every pupil at Chulmleigh College should develop a curiosity about the natural world and the confidence to ask questions, challenge ideas and seek evidence-based answers. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils build secure knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics, making connections within science and beyond. Practical enquiry, problem-solving and the analysis of data help pupils understand that scientific knowledge develops through questioning, testing and evaluation.
Assessment
In every lesson, teachers assess learning through questioning, discussion, retrieval practice and observation of pupils' work. This ongoing assessment provides immediate feedback, addresses misconceptions and informs teaching. Pupils also self-assess selected tasks with teacher guidance. At the end of each topic, pupils complete formal, written assessments to evaluate their understanding of key scientific concepts, application of knowledge and mathematical skills.
In Key Stage 3, pupils take part in one Assessment Week per year, helping develop revision and exam skills. Homework, through Carousel or written tasks, consolidates learning, strengthens retrieval and prepares pupils for future topics while promoting effective study habits.
In Key Stage 4, pupils complete mock examinations at the end of Year 10 and twice in Year 11. Results, alongside ongoing assessment, inform targeted support and ensure pupils are well-prepared for GCSE examinations, which take place in the Summer series at the end of Year 11.
Year 7 Curriculum
Term 1
- Skills in science
- Cells and reproduction
- Particle model
- Simple circuits
Term 2
- Pure and impure
- Magnets
- Acids and alkalis
- Heating and cooling
Term 3
- Classification, variation and ecosystems
- Atoms, elements and compounds
- Forces and their effects
Year 8 Curriculum
Term 1
- Waves, light and sound
- Health
- Chemical reactions
Term 2
- Pressure and moments
- Earth and atmosphere
- Photosynthesis
Term 3
- Energy changes
- Circulatory system and respiration
Year 9 Curriculum
Term 1
- Patterns of reactivity
- Generating electricity
- Inheritance
- Speed and motion
Term 2
- Separate Sciences pre-options taster sessions
- Animal Care pre options taster sessions
- Microorganisms and disesase
- GCSE Biology topic B1, Cell biology
Term 3
- GCSE Biology topic C1, Atomic structure and the periodic table
- GCSE Biology topic P1, Energy
Year 10 Curriculum
Term 1
- Organistion
- Bonding, structure and properties of matter
- Electricity
- Bioenergetics
- Quantitative chemistry
- Particle model of matter
Term 2
- Infection and response
- Chemical change
- Atomic structure and nuclear radiation
- Energy changes
Term 3
- Ecology
- Waves
Year 11 Curriculum
Term 1
- Forces
- Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
- Organic chemistry
Term 2
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Homeostasis
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources
Term 3
- Revision
- Exam preparation
Future Careers
Health and Life Sciences
- Genetic counsellor
- Paramedic
- Physiotherapist
- Radiographer
- Forensic scientist
Environmental and Earth Sciences
- Marine biologist
- Meteorologist
- Climate scientist
- Environmental consultant
- Renewable energy specialist
Engineering and Technology
- Robotics engineer
- Aerospace engineer
- Chemical engineer
Science in Industry
- Laboratory technician
- Research scientist
- Toxicologist
Science Communication and Education
- Science journalist
- Medical illustrator
- TV or film science consultant
Agriculture and Food
- Agricultural scientist
- Animal nutritionist
- Soil scientist
Crime and Defence
- Crime scene investigator
- Ballistics expert
Curricular enhancement opportunities (e.g. Fieldwork, trips, competitions etc)
We are fortunate to be able to provide a wide range of practical experiences within timetabled lessons. For example, in Biology, pupils carry out fieldwork on the school site and our farm, sampling populations using quadrats and transects and identifying and classifying species using identification keys. Laboratory-based investigations provide engaging opportunities for pupils to apply their scientific knowledge through hands-on learning. These include investigating factors that affect the rate and extent of chemical reactions, following methods to determine the density of regular and irregular objects, and gathering evidence to explore the relationship between light intensity and the rate of photosynthesis in plants. Our experienced and enthusiastic Science teachers also enrich the curriculum by encouraging pupils to discuss topical scientific developments, explore 'big' questions and delve deeper into aspects of science beyond the taught curriculum. These opportunities help to develop curiosity, critical thinking and a wider appreciation of science and its role in the world around us.