KS3 Science

Curriculum Overview

The overarching aim in the pursuit of scientific competency is to prepare students to be active citizens in the wider world in terms of critical engagement with their environment.

Our intent is for all students to develop a curiosity and a scientific understanding of the world around them and the ability to think critically about information presented to them.

We want them to be aware of the role of science and technology in the modern world and that our understanding nowadays is built on the research carried out by Scientists from many different cultures and civilizations throughout history. 

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment includes an end of unit test and an extended writing task which is assessed using St Bernadette levels. Students are given feedback and an opportunity to go back and reappraise their learning.

Students have a mock exam during the year, which is an opportunity to review their learning and practice study skills.

Every topic has a key word and definition homework which forms the basis of low stakes testing.

Important Overview Documents

Curriculum Rationale
Key Learning Steps - Biology Topics
Key Learning Steps - Chemistry Topics
Key Learning Steps - Physics Topics
Road Map

Modules

Year 7

Organisms 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Cells
Practice Questions - Movement

Energy 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Energy costs
Practice Questions - Energy transfer

Matter 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Particle Model
Practice Questions - Separating mixtures

Waves 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Sound
Practice Questions - Light

Genes 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Variation and Human reproduction

Earth 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Earth's structure
Practice Questions - Universe

Forces & Energy 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Speed and Gravity

Ecosystems 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Interdependence
Practice Questions - Plant reproduction

Year 8

Energy 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Work
Practice Questions - Heating and Cooling

Matter 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Elements and The Periodic Table

Organisms 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Breathing
Practice Questions - Digestion

Waves 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Wave effects and properties

Reactions 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Acids, Alkalis, Metals, and non-Metals

Genes 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Inheritance

Electromagnets 1

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - PD and resistance, and Current

Earth 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Climate
Practice Questions - Earth's resources

Year 9

Electromagnets 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Magnetism
Practice Questions - Electromagnets

Ecosystems 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Respiration
Practice Questions - Photosynthesis

Reactions 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Types of reacting and Chemical energy

Forces 2

Knowledge Organiser
Personal Learning Checklist
Practice Questions - Contact Forces and Pressure

Useful Links