CURRICULUM
Key stage 3 science curriculum overview
At Key Stage 3, our science curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, while developing students’ curiosity and confidence in scientific thinking.
Across year 7 to 9, students explore key scientific concepts such as cells, energy, forces, chemical reactions, and ecosystems, alongside developing practical skills through working scientifically. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure knowledge builds over time, supporting students in making connections between topics and preparing them for the demands of GCSE Science. Students are encouraged to think critically, analyse evidence, and apply their understanding to real-world contexts.
Year 7
- Working Scientifically – planning investigations, analysing data and evaluating evidence
- B1: Cells – cell structure and differences between plant and animal cells
- B2: Skeletal and Muscular System – how the body is supported and movement occurs
- C1: The Particle Model – states of matter and particle behaviour
- C2: Atoms, Elements and Compounds – the building blocks of matter
- C3: Pure and Impure Substances – mixtures and separation techniques
- P1: Energy – energy stores and transfers
- P2: Speed – how speed is measured and calculated
- P3: Forces – forces and their effects
Year 8
- B3: Nutrition and Digestion – how organisms obtain and use nutrients
- B4: Gas Exchange Systems – how gases are exchanged in humans and plants
- B5: Reproduction – human reproduction and development
- C4: Chemical Reactions – types of reactions and changes in substances
- C5: Energy Changes – energy transfer in chemical reactions
- P4: Pressure in Fluids – pressure in liquids and gases
- P5: Sound – how sound waves are produced and detected
- P6: Light – how light travels and interacts with materials
Year 9
- B6: Photosynthesis – how plants make food
- B7: Respiration – how energy is released in living organisms
- B8: Ecosystems – interactions between organisms and their environment
- B9: Inheritance – how characteristics are passed on
- C6: The Periodic Table – structure and trends
- C7: Materials – properties and uses
- C8: The Earth and its Atmosphere – Earth’s structure and environmental change
- P7: Electricity in Circuits – how circuits work
- P8: Static Electricity – how static charges build
- P9: Magnets – magnetic fields and forces
- P10: The Particle Model – deeper particle behaviour
- P11: Space – the universe and gravitational forces
Across all three years, students are encouraged to develop curiosity, resilience, and confidence in scientific thinking, preparing them for successful progression to GCSE Science.
