KS3 students follow schemes of learning based around the Science National Curriculum framework. Activities that promote key scientific and literacy skills have been built into the schemes. The AQA KS3 syllabus has been followed to ensure that students are ready for the demands of GCSE Science.
Students in Y7 are taught in mixed ability groups to help develop their scientific enquiry skills.
Year 7
| Year 7 Curriculum Overview | Topic | Unit | Unit content |
|
Term 1
|
Organisms
|
Cells | Discover the use of microscopes to observe the building blocks of life. |
| Movement | Learn how the skeleton and antagonistic muscles pairs support movement in the human body. | ||
|
Forces
|
Gravity | Explore the fundamental force of gravity and how it impacts on the world around us. | |
| Speed | Learn the basics of speed, motion and acceleration, and how to represent them on a graph. | ||
|
Matter
|
Particle model | Explore the fundamentals of the particle model; how solids, liquids and gases behave. Learn about density and how this affects whether an object will float. | |
| Separating Mixtures | Learn and carry out practical techniques designed to seperate mixtures of different substances. | ||
|
Ecosystems
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Interdependence | Explore how the natural world is interconnected through food webs/food chains, and understand the factors that can disrupt these cycles. | |
| Plant Reproduction | Learn about forensics botany and how sexual/asexual reproduction in plants. | ||
|
Term 2
|
Reactions
|
Metals and Non-metals | Explore the reactivity of metals, and their reactions with non-metals. |
| Acids and Alkalis | Learn to identify acids and alkalis, and how to use the pH scale to work out the pH of a sample. | ||
|
Energy
|
Energy Costs | Discover the processes used by power stations to harness energy in the UK. Learn how energy is supplied to our homes and how to cost up energy expenses. | |
| Energy Transfer | Learn the principles of conservation of energy and efficiency, as well as how energy is stored and transferred. | ||
|
Waves
|
Sound | Explore how sound acts as wave, the ear, and how changing the properties of waves affects sound. | |
| Light | Learn the basics of the electromagnetic spectrum, including reflection and refraction, and the physics of lenses. | ||
|
Term 3
|
Electromagnets
|
Voltage and Resistance | Learn about the basics of voltage, resistance and how to build series and parallel circuits. |
| Current | Explore electrostatics and current in series and parallel circuits. | ||
|
Genes
|
Variation | Explore how variation occurs within a species and how to represent data graphically. | |
| Human Reproduction | Learn about the process of human reproduction, including puberty, the menstrual cycle, fertlisation and pregnancy. | ||
|
Earth
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Earth Structure | Discover the origins of different types of rocks and how they can be shaped using weathering processes. | |
| Universe | They will understand how the Earth, Moon and Sun are linked in our solar system. |
Year 8
| Year 8 Curriculum Overview | Topic | Unit | Unit content |
|
Term 1
|
Organisms
|
Breathing | Explore the process of breathing, the lungs and the effect of exercise. |
| Digestion | Learn about the process of digestion, the digestive system, energy in foods and the maekup of a balanced diet. | ||
|
Forces
|
Pressure | Discover the fundamentals of pressure in solids, fluids and the atmosphere. | |
| Contact Forces | Explore the nature of contact forces, and how they affect the world around us. Learn about the work of Robert Hooke. | ||
|
Matter
|
Periodic Table | Learn about the structure of atoms and the periodic table. Start to make predictions about the properties of elements using the periodic table. | |
| Elements | Discover the properties of elements, compounds and mixtures. Learn how to determine the formulae of chemical compounds. | ||
|
Ecosystems
|
Respiration | Learn about the processes of aerobic/anaerobic respiration and fermentation. | |
| Photosynthesis | Explore how plants use photosynthesis to produce glucose. Discover the structure of a leaf and how this enables the plant to effectively photosynthesise. | ||
|
Term 2
|
Reactions
|
Chemical Energy | Discover the difference between physical and chemical changes, and determine the effects of catalysts on reactions. Learn what is meant by bond energy and determine whether a reaction is endothermic or exothermic. |
| Types of Reaction | Learn about how mass is conserved in reactions and explore combustion reactions, as well as thermal decomposition. | ||
|
Energy
|
Work | Explore work done, and how levers and pulleys are used lift loads in engineering. Discover the science of convection, conduction, and radiation. | |
| Heating and Cooling | Students will study conduction, convection and radiation using practical enquiry. They will be able to determine whether a material is a thermal conductor or thermal insulator. | ||
|
Waves
|
Wave Effects | Relate the impact of different types of waves on living cells to their frequency and the energy carried by the wave. | |
| Wave Properties | Use the wave model to explain observations of the reflection, absorption and transmission of waves. Explain the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves. | ||
|
Term 3
|
Electromagnets
|
Electromagnets | Students will learn about electromagnets, their uses in industry and how the strength can be changed. They will make an electromagnet in class to prove their hypothesis. |
| Magnetism | Students will explore how magnetic fields form around magnets and will learn the differences between permanent and non-permanent magnets. | ||
|
Genes
|
Evolution | The Theory of evolution and extinction are studied, looking at how natural selection, biodiversity and competrition / survival of the fittest leads to changes in populations. | |
| Inheritance | Exploring how genetic information is passed down from parents to offspring, and what issues can arise from mutations. | ||
|
Earth
|
Climate | Students will study climate change and global warming. They will study the effects of fossil fuels on the environment. | |
| Earth Resources | They will learn how Earth’s resources are extracted and purified with techniques such as electrolysis and reduction. |
Year 9
Year 9 is a transition year in science, the curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between KS3 and KS4. During the year we complete the fundamentals of Science. In Biology we look at cells and infection & response. In Chemistry we look at the structure of the atom and the periodic table. In Physics we cover energy and how the atom has developed. We also work to develop students Science skills – we are developing the Scientists of the future.
Year 9 stretches students understanding of KS3 and develops a deep understanding of the key concepts required for GCSE. Our year 9 curriculum is fully enriched with STEM projects, Careers visits, trips and other extracurricular activities.
| Year 9 Curriculum Overview | Unit | Unit Content |
|
Term 1
|
B1: Cell Biology | Explore how structural differences between types of cells enables them to perform specific functions within the organism. Cells, specialised cells, cell transport, eukaryotes/prokaryotes, organelles and their function, as well as the use of electron/light microscopes. |
| C1: Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table | Explore the historical development of the periodic table and learn to use it as a tool to support our understanding of the building blocks of matter, atoms. Use the periodic table to make predictions about reactivity and the structure of matter. Learn about the sub-atomic particles and how the atomic model has changed over time. | |
| P1: Energy | Explore the varying types of energy stores and energy transfers. Discover how energy is conserved and transferred between stores within a system, and use this to calculate values for energy. | |
| B3: Infection and Response | Explore how we can avoid diseases by reducing contact with them, as well as how the body uses barriers against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and protists. Also, taking a look at how modern medicine is affecting our protection against disease, and the problems arising across the world. | |
|
Term 2
|
Maths in Science | Learn the fundametals and Maths skills required to support Science theory and practical work. |
| P3: Particle model of matter | Explore how the particle model is widely used to predict the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases and this has many applications in everyday life. Discover how to explain a wide range of observations and engineers use these principles when designing vessels to withstand high pressures and temperatures, such as submarines and spacecraft. | |
| Key Skills in Science | Explore the fundamentals and skills required to plan and carry out practicals safely, and analyse results to produce valid conclusions. | |
|
Term 3
|
C2: Bonding / Structure & the Properties of Matter | Continue your understanding of atoms to explore how atoms bond and interact to form the world around us. Discover how the structure of ionic, covalent and metallic substances determines its properties. |
| P4: Atomic structure | Explore the world of radioactivity, half-life and hazardous radiation. Learn to explain the processes involved in alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and discover how they interact with the world around us. |
