Key Stage 3
Year 7
Intent
Building on the Key Stage 2 science curriculum, students will develop their understanding of fundamental scientific concepts in science through an exploration of the world around them. We start ‘big’ with the universe, moving through to the ‘small’ through an investigation of the individual cell and atom. Students will be supported and encouraged to apply investigative skills to test, question and challenge current scientific ideas and core knowledge.
Learning Journey
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- The Universe
- Light and lenses
- The Solar System
- Earth and Moon
- Earth and Sun
Key Knowledge
- Scientific evidence
- Big Bang Theory
- Universe
- Solar system
- Energy transfer (light and sound)
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Structure of the Earth
- Magnetism
- Energy transfer
- Volcanoes
- Rock cycle
- Atmosphere and early life
Key Knowledge
- Outer core
- Magnetism
- Solar flares
- Convection
- Volcanic activity
- Atmosphere
- Fossils
- Geologists
- Rock formation
- Erosion
- Element
- Compound
- Mixture
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Food chains, webs and interdependence
- Importance of bees and impacts of decline in bees/ pollination
- Human impact and extinction
- Pyramids of number and biomass
- Evolution theory
- Classification & taxonomy
Key Knowledge
- Ecosystems
- Food chain
- Food webs
- Interdependence
- Bioaccumulation
- Pollinator
- Sampling techniques
- Biodiversity
- IUCN red list Indicator
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Classification
- Organisation
- Skeletal systems
- Observing cells
- Transport in cells
Key Knowledge
- Multicellular organisms
- Tissues
- Organs and organ systems
- Cells
- Skeletal system
- Robert Hooke
- Molecules
- Prokaryotic cells
- Eukaryotic cells
- Diffusion
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Structure of the atom
- Periodic table
- Compounds
- Properties of metals and non-metals
- Conductivity of metals and non-metals
Key Knowledge
- Mendeleev
- Periodic table
- Physical properties
- Chemical properties Scientific prediction
- Chemical bonding
- Conductor
- Insulator
Skill Development
Observational skills, making scientific predictions, Identifying Variables in an investigation, taking accurate measurements. Communicating scientific ideas. Use of models.
Year 8
Intent
Students extend their core knowledge and now begin to make strong links and connections across the units taught when exploring key scientific themes and issues. This results in a deeper understanding of the natural world as students becoming increasingly confident and accurate in their explanations and questions. They forward and discuss actions that could be taken to make a positive impact on peoples’ lives.
Learning Journey
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Human life cycle
- Human reproduction
- Healthy diet
- Digestion
- Acids and Alkalis
- Health and well being
- Respiration
Key Knowledge
- Life cycle
- Reproduction
- Species
- Digestive system
- Enzymes
- Optimum conditions
- Aerobic respiration
- Anaerobic respiration
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Communicable Disease
- Immunity
- Genetic disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Forensic investigation
Key Knowledge
- Communicable diseases
- Control measures
- Vaccines
- Immunisation
- Immunity
- Ethical arguments
- Genetic and autoimmune disease
- Forensic techniques
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Plant structure
- Plant reproduction
- Forest fires
- Carbon and Nitrogen cycle
Key Knowledge
- Structure
- Function
- Dissection
- Dispersion
- Seed dispersal
- Germination
- Variables
- Analysis
- Climate change
- Nutrients
- Biodiversity
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Chemical reactions
- Reactivity of metals
- Displacement
- Enzyme activity
- Forces
Key Knowledge
- Biological change
- Chemical change
- Physical change
- Socio-economic
- Enzymes
- Biological molecules
- Balanced forces
- Unbalanced forces
- Sir Isaac Newton
Skill Development
Consider models in science, draw conclusions based upon evidence, ask curious questions to deepen understanding, present data appropriately, communicate and present scientific ideas to an audience.
Year 9
Intent
Building on the knowledge and skills developed at Year 7 and 9, students examine critical challenges facing our planet and today’s scientists. They connect scientific ideas and concepts from all aspects of science and are empowered to suggest changes that will best support future generations. Students consider how ethical and socio-economic factors impact scientific development and, having learned how to challenge established ideas, reach independent conclusions and recommendations.
Learning Journey
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Water
- Metals
- Crude oil
- Polymers, Ceramics and Composites
Key Knowledge
- Ore
- Hydrocarbons
- Extraction
- Sustainability
- Recycling
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Renewable and non- renewable fuels
- Generating electricity
- Electrical circuits
- Biotechnology and Medicines
Key Knowledge
- Finite source
- National grid
- Renewable fuels
- Non-renewable fuels
- Energy consumption and costs
- Series circuits
- Parallel circuits
- Potential difference
- Current
- Resistance
- Electromagnets
- Biotechnology
- Antibiotic resistance
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Variation
- Inheritance
- Natural selection
- Selective breeding
- Extinction
Key Knowledge
- Continuous variation
- Discontinuous variation
- Natural selection
- Potential extinction
- Hereditary
- Adaptations
Themes, Concepts and Questions
- Energy stores and transfer pathways
- Thermal energy and Specific Heat Capacity
- Atomic structure
- Development and organization of the periodic table
- Cellular structure and observing cells
- Transport in cells
Key Knowledge
- Energy stores
- Transfer pathways
- National energy resources
- Global energy resources.
- Atomic structure
- Nuclear atom
- Nucleus
- Diffusion
- Osmosis
- Active transport
Skill Development
Writing a method to test a hypothesis, Analysing data, Evaluating a practical method, report writing, communicate ideas including debate.