Key Stage 3
Our Key Stage 3 Science curriculum is carefully designed to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and develop the core knowledge and skills students need to become successful young scientists. Across Years 7 to 9, students study a broad and balanced science curriculum that lays strong foundations for GCSE and beyond.
Curriculum Aims:
- Develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts across biology, chemistry, and physics
- Promote scientific thinking through practical work, problem-solving and analytical tasks
- Encourage curiosity, questioning, and independent learning
- Build core skills in working scientifically, including planning, measuring, recording, and evaluating
Each year builds progressively on the last, revisiting and deepening essential topics while introducing more complex ideas. Our use of Sparx Science for homework supports ongoing learning and provides personalised practice outside the classroom.
In Year 7, students begin their Key Stage 3 science journey by building a strong foundation in key scientific principles across biology, chemistry and physics. Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, develop practical and investigative skills, and prepare students for further scientific study.
Year 7 Topics:
- Working Scientifically – Developing core scientific skills including planning investigations, collecting data, and analysing results.
- Cells and Movement – Exploring the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs, and understanding how muscles and bones work together for movement.
- Chemistry Fundamentals – Introducing atoms, elements, compounds and chemical reactions.
- Energy – Understanding different forms of energy, energy transfers, and conservation of energy.
- Photosynthesis – Learning how plants make food and the importance of photosynthesis to life on Earth.
- Separating Mixtures – Investigating methods such as filtration, distillation and chromatography.
- Forces – Studying types of forces, their effects on motion, and how they are measured.
- Reproduction – Exploring human and plant reproduction, including key biological processes.
- Metals and Acids – Examining the properties of metals, their reactions with acids, and practical applications.
Assessment:
- Application Check 1 – Covers Working Scientifically, Cells, and Chemistry Fundamentals.
- Application Check 2 – Builds on the first assessment and includes Energy, Photosynthesis, and Separating Mixtures.
- Application Check 3 – A cumulative assessment covering all content from the year: Working Scientifically, Cells, Chemistry Fundamentals, Energy, Photosynthesis, Separating Mixtures, Forces, Reproduction, and Metals and Acids.
Homework:
Set regularly using Sparx Science, an interactive online platform designed to reinforce classroom learning and develop independent study habits.
In Year 8, students continue to deepen their scientific knowledge, building on the foundations laid in Year 7. The curriculum encourages students to think critically, develop their practical skills, and make connections across different areas of science.
Year 8 Topics:
- Working Scientifically – Microscopes – Refining scientific enquiry skills through the use of microscopes and accurate observation techniques.
- Periodic Table – Exploring patterns in the periodic table, including groups and periods, and the properties of elements.
- Breathing and Respiration – Understanding the structure of the respiratory system, gas exchange, and the role of respiration in energy release.
- Electricity – Investigating current, voltage, resistance, and practical applications of electrical circuits.
- Chemical Reactions – Identifying different types of chemical reactions and how they occur, including combustion and neutralisation.
- Evolution and Inheritance – Examining how organisms change over time, the theory of natural selection, and how traits are inherited.
- The Universe – Exploring the structure of the solar system, the life cycle of stars, and the scale of the universe.
- Climate and Earth’s Resources – Investigating Earth’s atmosphere, human impact on the environment, and sustainable use of resources.
Assessments:
- Application Check 1 – Covers Working Scientifically (Microscopes), Periodic Table, and Breathing and Respiration.
- Application Check 2 – Builds on the first and includes Electricity and Chemical Reactions.
- Application Check 3 – A cumulative assessment covering all Year 8 content: Working Scientifically, Periodic Table, Breathing and Respiration, Electricity, Chemical Reactions, Evolution and Inheritance, The Universe, and Climate and Earth’s Resources.
Homework:
Assigned regularly through Sparx Science, supporting students in reviewing key concepts and building independent learning skills.
Year 9 provides a vital bridge between Key Stage 3 and GCSE study. Students revisit and deepen their understanding of fundamental scientific concepts across biology, chemistry, and physics, while continuing to develop their practical and analytical skills. The Year 9 curriculum is designed to ensure students are confident with the foundational knowledge and skills required for success in GCSE Science.
Year 9 Topics:
- Working Scientifically – Microscopes and Electricity – Applying core scientific enquiry skills in the context of microscopy and electrical investigations, with an emphasis on precision, analysis and evaluation.
- Fundamentals in Biology – Cells – Revisiting cell structure and function with greater depth, including specialised cells, diffusion, and the role of organelles.
- Fundamentals in Physics – Energy and Forces – Reinforcing understanding of energy stores and transfers, as well as key force concepts such as resultant forces and motion.
- Fundamentals in Chemistry – Atomic Structure – Exploring the structure of the atom, the development of atomic theory, and the arrangement of subatomic particles.
Assessments:
- Application Check 1 – Covers Working Scientifically (Microscopes and Electricity) and Cells.
- Application Check 2 – Builds on the first assessment and includes Energy and Forces.
- Application Check 3 – A cumulative assessment covering all Year 9 content: Working Scientifically, Cells, Energy, Forces, and Atomic Structure.
Homework:
Regularly set using Sparx Science to consolidate knowledge, build independence, and support preparation for Key Stage 4.