Science
Biology, Chemistry and Physics are studied separately across KS3 and KS4, as we believe they are important subjects in their own right so students have a clear understanding of each discipline within the Science curriculum.
KS3 Curriculum Overview: Science
YEAR 7
In year 7, students will usually have one Science teacher that teaches them all three disciplines on a rotation, the order that topics are studied within each term may vary but all students will cover all topics by the end of the term. All students start the year with an introduction to science, here we learn about what it means to be a scientist and learn the key skills students will need throughout their time at secondary school. We look closely at the different aspects of the scientific method, lab safety and students have the opportunity to learn how to use the equipment within a laboratory environment, obtaining their bunsen burner licence.
In Biology, students are introduced to simple plant and animal cells and then move on to covering specialised cells and their adaptations. They will investigate both simple and complex organisms to gain an understanding of how cells, tissues and organs are interrelated. Students then go on to learn about plant reproduction and ecosystems and develop their ideas of feeding relationships through food chains and webs. (For more detailed information regarding topics covered, please refer to the following website: https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/specifications/AQA-SCIENCE-KS3-SYLLABUS.PDF )
In Chemistry, students are introduced to particles; including classifying and identifying solids, liquids and gases. There is a focus on atoms,elements and using chemical formulae, this provides the basis for all of the chemical reactions they will study. The final topic covered in year 7 is Students then go on to learn about solutions and study the different techniques used to separate mixtures. These idea will then be explored further in year 8.
In Physics, students are introduced to forces, they will find out about what forces do and how they explain why motion changes. They then move on to learning about Space where students explore gravity in the universe, our solar system and why we have seasons. sound travels as longitudinal waves carrying energy, how sound is detected and how it is used in imaging. Later on in the year the students will explore the properties of light; finding out about why we see colour and the similarities between our eye and a camera. We will finally introduce our topic of space which will provide an opportunity to learn about our solar system and to answer questions such as ‘why do we see phases of the moon?’
For further reading:
BBC Bitesize: Biology
BBC Bitesize: Chemistry
BBC Bitesize: Physics
Year 8
In year 8, students will usually have one science teacher that teaches them all three disciplines on a rotation, the order that topics are studied within each term may vary but all students will cover all topics by the end of the term.
In Biology, students learn about Tissues and organs and how systems work together . They will also learn about Respiration and photosynthesis as key life processes on earth. This is followed by Life Diversity. Students start by looking at the theory of natural selection and the relationship between DNA, chromosomes, and genes, and how inherited characteristics are transferred from parents to offspring during reproduction.
In Chemistry, students begin by focusing on acids and Alkalis where we identify different substances as acid or alkali and use our knowledge of chemical reactions to find out what happens when an acid and alkali react together. We then focus on Changing Substances, looking at how reactions occur while we look for patterns within them. We then study Earth Systems which look at cycles of substances and the effects they have on the environment.
In Physics, students build on their knowledge by investigating motion and pressure. We develop skills to be able to calculate and plot a speed/time graph. We then investigate magnetism and electricity. Students will also explore the magnetic field patterns around different types or combinations of magnets. Students then go on to explore the properties of light; finding out about why we see colour and the similarities between our eye and a camera.
The topics studied in Y8 will help build a platform to help the transition into Year 9.
(For more detailed information regarding topics covered, please refer to the following website: https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/specifications/AQA-SCIENCE-KS3-SYLLABUS.PDF )
For further reading:
BBC Bitesize: Biology
BBC Bitesize: Chemistry
BBC Bitesize: Physics
Year 9: Science
Year 9 Curriculum Overview: Seperate Science
Year 9 Curriculum Overview: Combined Science
Year 10 GCSE Science
Year 10 GCSE Curriculum Overview: Combined Science
Year 10 GCSE Curriculum Overview: Seperate Science
Year 11 GCSE Science
