Sciences
BackScience has three main disciplines: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Studying Science helps us understand the natural and physical world around us through experimentation and observation.
Key Stage 3 Science Learning Journey
Year 7
The intent of the Year 7 curriculum is to build a foundational understanding of core scientific frameworks across biology, chemistry and physics. This curriculum develops students' conceptual literacy, practical investigative skills, and critical thinking. It transitions learners smoothly from KS2 primary science to KS3 secondary science.
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Cells: Structure and function of plant and animal cells (nucleus, membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria, cell wall, vacuole, chloroplasts); use of light microscopes; unicellular organisms. Particle model: Arrangement, spacing, and movement of particles in solids, liquids, and gases; changes of state; gas pressure and diffusion. Forces: Pushes and pulls measured in Newtons; contact forces (friction, air resistance, support) vs non-contact forces (gravity, magnetism, static); balanced and unbalanced forces. Movement: structure of the human skeleton and antagonistic muscle pairs. Separating mixtures: Distinguishing pure substances from mixtures; techniques including filtration, evaporation, simple distillation, and paper chromatography. Sound and light: Sound as longitudinal waves through mediums (pitch and loudness); light as transverse waves (reflection, refraction, and colour spectrum). Reproduction: Male and female human anatomy; changes during puberty; fertilisation, gestation, fluid protection, and the menstrual cycle. Reproduction in flowering plants. Chemical Reactions: Word equations (reactants to products); signs of a reaction (colour change, gas, temperature change); acids and alkalis, combustion, thermal decomposition, and oxidation. Heating and Cooling: Thermal energy transfers; conduction in solids, convection in fluids, and radiation through vacuums; insulation methods. |
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Year 7 Assessment Points: Diagnostic: Baseline skills check and topic-start vocabulary match-ups. Formative: Low-stakes quizzes, plenaries and homework learning checks. Summative: TP1, TP2, TP3 tests based on previous topic learning (AQA-style short and long-answer questions). |
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Key Vocabulary Biology: Organelle, chloroplast, specialised cell, gamete, foetus, placenta, antagonistic, tendon. Chemistry: Solute, solvent, filtrate, chromatogram, reactant, product, exothermic, endothermic, thermal decomposition. Physics: Newton, friction, relative speed, independent variable, vacuum, frequency, refraction, convection. |
Enrichment Practical Lab Work: Preparing cheek cell slides; building model cells; calculating personal walking speeds Digital Exploration: Engaging with digital particle and wave simulations via PhET Interactive Simulations. Real-world Context: Investigating historical discoveries and evaluating the insulation properties of eco-friendly building materials. |
Year 8
The intent of the Year 8 curriculum is to build a foundational understanding of core scientific frameworks across biology, chemistry and physics. This curriculum develops students' conceptual literacy, practical investigative skills, and critical thinking. It transitions learners smoothly from KS2 primary science to KS3 secondary science. To deepen conceptual frameworks in biology, chemistry, and physics by linking microscopic interactions to macro-scale observations. This curriculum builds upon Year 7 foundational concepts to model energy conservation, human physiology, chemical trends, and planetary systems. It emphasises experimental variables, chemical equations, mathematical manipulation of physical models, and data-driven ecological awareness.
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Photosynthesis: Word and symbol; leaf adaptations; factors limiting the rate of photosynthesis. Elements of the periodic table: Structure of the periodic table into groups (columns) and periods (rows); physical and chemical trends in Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 7 (halogens); chemical symbols and basic atomic structure. Electricity: Current as the flow of charge; investigating potential difference (voltage) and resistance; differences between series and parallel circuits. Breathing and Respiration: Mechanics of breathing and gas exchange in alveoli; word equation for aerobic respiration; anaerobic respiration in humans and yeast. Metals and Non-Metals: Physical properties; chemical reactions of metals with oxygen, water, and acids; displacement reactions using the reactivity series. Motion: Relative motion; calculation of speed, distance, and time; creating and interpreting complex distance-time graphs. Digestion: Structure and function of the digestive tract; roles of structural enzymes; food test reagents. Earth and Climate: The structure of the Earth; the carbon cycle; composition of the atmosphere; the greenhouse effect, global warming, and human-induced climate change. Magnetism: Magnetic poles; magnetic field lines and the Earth’s core magnetic field; construction and manipulation of electromagnets. |
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Year 8 Assessment Points: Diagnostic: Baseline skills check and topic-start vocabulary match-ups. Formative: Low-stakes quizzes, plenaries and homework learning checks. Summative: TP1, TP2, TP3 tests based on previous topic learning (AQA-style short and long-answer questions) |
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Key Vocabulary Biology: Chlorophyll, limiting factor, alveoli, trachea, fermentation, peristalsis, catalyst, villi. Chemistry: Periodicity, halogen, displacement, malleability, greenhouse gas, combustion, atmosphere. Physics: Ammeter, voltmeter, resistance, relative motion, trajectory, electromagnet. |
Enrichment Practical Lab Work: Investigating photosynthesis; conducting qualitative testing on nutrients; constructing custom electromagnets. Digital Exploration: Running interactive circuit builders and tracking mock carbon emissions via online simulators like PhET Interactive Simulations. Real-world Context: Investigating Mendeleev's predictive periodic table development; assessing carbon footprint data and comparing eco-friendly energy generation methods. |
Year 9
In Year 9, the curriculum intent is to establish a rigorous transition framework from KS3 to the AQA GCSE Combined Sciences or Separate Sciences. This curriculum introduces advanced atomic models, greater manipulation of physics equations and sub-cellular biological mechanisms. It intends to build early exam confidence, analytical graph skills, and data analysis capabilities necessary for future GCSE assessments.
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Genes: Structure of DNA as a double helix; discovery of chromosomes; definition of alleles, genotypes, and phenotypes. Variation and Evolution. Atomic structure: Evolution of atomic models from the Plum Pudding to the Nuclear Model; relative mass/charge of protons, neutrons, electrons; calculation of isotopes. Energy: Quantitative exploration of energy shifts; derivation and calculation of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy. Infectious disease: Viral, bacterial, fungal, and protist pathogens; human non-specific defence barriers; introduction to immune responses via white blood cells, antibodies, and vaccinations. Structure and bonding: Physical modelling of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds; properties of giant covalent structures (diamond, graphite) versus simple molecular structures. Universe: Life cycle of stars (main sequence, supernova, black hole); cosmic red shift as evidence for the Big Bang; expansion mechanics of the universe. Ecosystems: Biotic and abiotic factors; quantification of biomass transfers; competition within communities; introductory field techniques using quadrats and transects. Chemical Energy: Distinguishing exothermic and endothermic chemical processes; construction and interpretation of reaction profile diagrams showcasing activation energy. Waves: Transverse and longitudinal properties; labelling amplitude, frequency, and period; mathematical application of the wave equation. |
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Year 9 Assessment Points: Diagnostic: Baseline skills check and topic-start vocabulary match-ups. Formative: Low-stakes quizzes, plenaries and homework learning checks. Summative: TP1, TP2, TP3 tests based on previous topic learning (AQA-style short and long-answer questions). |
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Key Vocabulary Biology: Double helix, mitosis, pathogen, lymphocyte, vector, biomass, quadrat, abiotic. Chemistry: Isotope, subatomic, covalent, ion, delocalised, polymer, exothermic, activation energy. Physics: Kinetic, potential, velocity, wavelength, frequency, transverse, longitudinal, red-shift. |
Enrichment Practical Lab Work: Modelling wave formation using a ripple tank and slinky; extracting pure DNA structures from kiwi fruit; plotting exothermic temperature curves. Digital Exploration: Running advanced wave behaviour modelling profiles and configuring atomic structures through PhET Interactive Simulations. Real-world Context: Analysing historical debates surrounding Jenner's smallpox vaccinations and evaluating global tracking data for emergent viral pathogens |
Year 10
Year 10 Science builds on KS3 foundations to develop students' scientific literacy, practical skills, and conceptual understanding across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students are equipped to:
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Apply scientific knowledge to explain real-world phenomena
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Develop quantitative and analytical skills using mathematical reasoning
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Plan and evaluate practical investigations using Working Scientifically skills
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Prepare for AQA GCSE examinations at Foundation or Higher Tier
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Decide on pathways for Combined Science (2 GCSEs) or Separate Sciences (3 GCSEs), with Separate Science students studying additional content
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BIOLOGY 1. Cell Biology — cell structure, transport, cell division 2. Organisation — enzymes, digestive, circulatory & respiratory systems 3. Infection & Response — pathogens, immune system, vaccines, drugs 4. Bioenergetics — photosynthesis, aerobic & anaerobic respiration 5. Separate: monoclonal antibodies, identification of plant disease, plant defences CHEMISTRY 1. Atomic Structure & Periodic Table — atomic model, electronic structure, groups 2. Bonding — ionic, covalent, metallic; structure and properties of matter 3. Quantitative Chemistry — moles, concentration, equations 4. Chemical Changes — reactivity series, electrolysis, acids & bases 5. Separate: titration calculations, yield, atom economy, nanotechnology PHYSICS 1. Energy — stores, transfers, efficiency, power, specific heat capacity 2. Electricity — circuits, resistance, domestic wiring, mains supply 3. Particle Model of Matter — density, changes of state, internal energy 4. Atomic Structure — atomic model, radioactive decay, nuclear equations 5. Separate: nuclear fission and fusion, thermal insulation |
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Assessment Points
End of Year Assessment — Paper 1 Content
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Key Vocabulary Biology: mitosis, enzyme, photosynthesis Chemistry: ionic bonding, covalent bonding, mole, reactivity series, electrolysis Physics: specific heat capacity, half-life, potential difference, resistance |
Enrichment Debate sessions on topics such as stem cell research and vaccination and public health. PhET Interactive Simulations. Subscribe to Science podcasts: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/podcasts/factual-scienceandnature |
Year 11
Year 11 is the culminating year of the GCSE Science programme. Students consolidate and extend their knowledge across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, developing the skills needed to succeed in summer examinations. Building on Year 10 intent, students are equipped to:
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Develop exam technique: data analysis, calculations and 6-mark questions
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Determine their independent study habits and revision strategies
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Prepare for AQA GCSE examinations
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Separate Sciences students engage with additional content throughout
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Revisit and consolidate Paper 1 topics through structured revision
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BIOLOGY 1. Homeostasis — nervous system, hormones, blood glucose, thermoregulation 2. Inheritance, Variation and Evolution — sexual/asexual, meiosis, DNA, genetics, inheritance, evolution 3. Ecology — ecosystems, food webs, cycling of matter, biodiversity, human impact 4. Separate: the brain, eye and kidney, temperature regulation, plant hormones, DNA structure, protein synthesis, mutations, speciation, cloning, decay, further ecology CHEMISTRY 1. Rate & Equilibrium — collision theory, catalysts, reversible reactions, Le Chatelier 2. Organic Chemistry — hydrocarbons, alkanes, alkenes 3. Chemical Analysis — chromatography, gas tests 4. Chemistry of the Atmosphere — evolution of atmosphere, greenhouse effect, pollutants 5. Separate: materials, analytical testing of ions, further organic chemistry PHYSICS 1. Forces — contact/non-contact, resultant, Newton's laws 2. Waves — properties, EM spectrum, reflection, refraction 3. Magnetism & Electromagnetism — magnetic fields, motor effect 4. Space Physics (separates) — solar system, life cycle of stars, red-shift, Big Bang 5. Separate: transformers, generator effect, moments, pressure, colour and lenses |
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Assessment Points
Mock Examinations
Final GCSE Examinations
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Key Vocabulary Homeostasis Meiosis Biodiversity Alkane Alkene Chromatography Transverse Longitudinal Solenoid Electromagnetic spectrum |
Enrichment Ecology fieldwork (quadrats). Climate change data analysis tasks and discussion. ESA/NASA current space missions research. PhET Interactive Simulations. Isaac Science online problem sets for deeper challenge https://isaacscience.org/ Subscribe to Science podcasts: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/podcasts/factual-scienceandnature |