Science

Curriculum INTENT

Science at Wright Robinson College provides an ambitious and stimulating curriculum rich in both substantive and disciplinary knowledge, which aims to ignite the curiosity and excitement of our students to understand how science explains everything they observe in the world around them.

The curriculum in science is sequenced to allow students to retrieve and build on prior learning. We aim to create scientifically literate students who are confidently able to apply scientific knowledge and understanding to both familiar and unfamiliar contexts, harnessing the power of rational thinking to make considered decisions throughout their lifetimes.

Our science curriculum aims to develop students' cultural capital ensuring they are aware of the integral role that science plays in the world around them, promoting potential scientific careers that students may aspire to progress into after leaving the college.

Curriculum End Points

 

By the end of Key Stage 4:

• Students will build upon and deepen their scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding developed at KS3 in the subject disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• Students will develop and extend their scientific vocabulary using terminology precisely to articulate scientific concepts clearly and precisely.
• Students will develop their understanding of scientific processes and methods, through different types of scientific enquiry so that they are able to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
• Students will develop and learn to apply observational, practical, problem-solving skills and mathematical skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other environments.
• Students will develop their scientific knowledge required to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of scientific methods and evidence.

 

KS3 Curriculum Map

 

 

ks3 science learning journey 2024.pdf

 

 

 

Curriculum in Year 7

During Year 7, students develop an understanding of the core principles that underpin science to build a solid base of scientific knowledge from which they can build more complex scientific knowledge over their time at the college.

 

Topics covered during Year 7 include:

7.1 Scientific Skills

7.2 Particle Model

7.3 Cells

7.4 Forces

7.5 Separating mixtures

7.6 Speed

7.7 Reproduction

7.8 Energy Transfers

7.9 Voltage, Current and Resistance

7.10 Universe

7.11 Magnetism

7.12 Interdependence

7.13 Plant Reproduction

 

How we assess:

Students are assessed at the end of each unit by the completion of an end of unit assessment. Each assessment is out of 45 marks and follow the format of 40% of the marks assessing students understanding of scientific ideas and techniques, 40% of the marks assessing application of scientific ideas and techniques and the final 20% assessing students ability to analyse information including interpreting data and drawing conclusions. 

	Autumn Term	Spring Term	Summer Term
Overview	Assessment 1 7.1 Scientific Skills     Assessment 2  7.2 Particle Model 7.3 Cells     Assessment 3  7.4 Forces 7.5 Separating techniques	Assessment 4  7.6 Speed 7.7 Reproduction   Assessment 5  7.8 Energy transfers 7.9 Voltage Current and Resistance	Assessment 6  7.10 Universe 7.11 Magnetism   Assessment 7 7.12 Interdependence  7.13 Plant reproduction
Content	Assessment 1 Health and safety Bunsen burners Equipment Measuring Collecting data Analysing data   Assessment 2 Properties of solids, liquids and gases Particle model Changes of state Heating and cooling Melting and boiling points Pure and impure substances Diffusion Animal and plant cells Microscopes Specialised cells Diffusion in living organisms.  Unicellular organisms   Assessment 3 Types of forces Balanced and unbalanced forces Stretching a spring Hookes law Solutions Solubility Filtration Evaporation Distillation Chromatography	Assessment 4 Speed Distance time graphs Relative motion Male and female reproductive systems.  Egg and sperm cells. Puberty Menstrual cycle Fertilisation Pregnancy and birth  Maternal lifestyle on the placenta   Assessment 5 Types of energy Energy transfers Wasted energy Circuit symbols Series circuits Parallel circuits Current Potential difference Resistance Conductors and insulators	Assessment 6 The night sky The solar system Days Seasons Eclipses Electrostatic attraction Magnetism Magnetic fields    Assessment 7 Ecosystems Sampling techniques Food chains Food Webs Predator Prey cycles Bioaccumulation Plant reproductive organs  Pollination Fertilisation Seed and fruit formation Seed dispersal Human food security

 

How can parents help?

• Discuss with your child what they have learned each week.
• Invest in a KS3 revision guide for your child.
• Encourage your child to relate what they have learned in science each week to real life, everyday contexts.
• Ensure your child completes their homework.
• Discuss science in the news with your child.
• Encourage your child to use BBC Bitesize to revise key topics they have learned before assessments.

 

Curriculum in Year 8

As students move into Year 8 they are required to apply their understanding of the core principles of science to progressively more complex scientific concepts.

 

Topics covered during Year 8 include:

8.1 Scientific Skills

8.2 Atoms, Elements and Compounds

8.3 Waves

8.4 Light

8.5 Acids and Alkalis

8.6 Movement

8.7 Breathing

8.8 Pressure

8.9 Heating and Cooling

8.10 Electromagnetism

8.11 Metals and Non-Metals

8.12 Earth Structure

8.13 Digestion

 

How we assess:

Students are assessed at the end of each unit by the completion of an end of unit assessment. Each assessment is out of 45 marks and follow the format of 40% of the marks assessing students understanding of scientific ideas and techniques, 40% of the marks assessing application of scientific ideas and techniques and the final 20% assessing students ability to analyse information including interpreting data and drawing conclusions. 

 

	Autumn Term	Spring Term	Summer Term
Overview	Assessment 1  8.1 Scientific Skills  8.2 Atoms, Elements and Compounds   Assessment 2 8.3 Wave 8.4 Light 8.5 Acids and Alkalis	Assessment 3  8.6 Movement 8.7 Breathing     Assessment 4 8.8 Pressure 8.9 Heating and Cooling 8.10 Electromagnetism	Assessment 5 8.11 Metals and Non-Metals  8.12 Earth Structure   Assessment 6 8.13 Digestion
Content	Assessment 1 Variables  Scientific methods Drawing graphs Atoms Elements Compounds Chemical and physical change Chemical formulae Conservation of mass   Assessment 2 Properties of waves Wave speed Types of wave Reflection Refraction Drawing ray diagrams Dispersion  Colour Lenses The eye Acids and Alkalis Indicators and pH scale Neutralisation	Assessment 3 Cells  Levels of organisation Organ systems Skeleton Movement including joints and muscles.  The circulatory system.  Blood The respiratory system Breathing.  Assessment 4 Pressure in solids Pressure in fluids Atmospheric pressure Conduction Convection  Radiation Electromagnets	Assessment 5 Chemical and physical properties Metals and oxygen Metals and water Metals and acids Reactivity Displacement reactions Earth structure Types of rock Rock cycle   Assessment 6 Food groups Testing food Energy content in food Digestive System Digestive enzymes

 

How can parents help?

• Discuss with your child what they have learned each week.
• Support your child in reviewing the topics they have learned using their KS3 revision guide for your child.
• Encourage your child to relate what they have learned in science each week to real life, everyday contexts.
• Ensure your child completes their homework.
• Discuss science in the news with your child.
• Encourage your child to use BBC Bitesize to revise key topics they have learned before assessments.  

 

Curriculum in Year 9

As students progress into Year 9 increased focus is placed on linking scientific concepts and understanding the interplay between the different scientific disciplines in preparation for progression into KS4.

 

Topics covered during Year 9 include:

 9.1 Scientific skills

9.2 Acids and Alkalis

9.3 Electricity and Magnetism

9.4 Atoms, Compounds and Mixture

9.5 Cells, Inheritance and Evolution

9.6 Atomic Structure and the Periodic table. 

9.7 Forces

How we assess:

Students are assessed at the end of each unit by the completion of an end of unit assessment. Each assessment is out of 45 marks and follow the format of 40% of the marks assessing students understanding of scientific ideas and techniques, 40% of the marks assessing application of scientific ideas and techniques and the final 20% assessing students ability to analyse information including interpreting data and drawing conclusions. 

	Autumn Term	Spring Term	Summer Term
Overview	Assessment 1 9.1 Scientific skills 9.2 Acids and alkalis   Assessment 2 9.3 Electricity and Magnetism	Assessment 3 9.4 Atoms, Elements and Compounds   Assessment 4 9.5 Cells, Inheritance and Evolution	Assessment 5 9.6 Atomic structure and the Periodic table   Assessment 6 9.7 Forces
Content	Assessment 1 Variables  Scientific methods Drawing graphs Acids and Alkalis Indicators and pH scale Neutralisation   Assessment 2 Renewable and non-renewable energy resources Circuit symbols and diagrams Current Potential difference Resistance Electrical power Magnetism Magnetic fields Electromagnets	Assessment 3 Atoms Elements Compounds Chemical and physical change Chemical reactions Chemical formulae Conservation of mass Rate of reaction Endothermic and exothermic reactions Combustion Thermal decomposition   Assessment 4 Cells Microscopes Specialised cells Diffusion DNA Variation  Inheritance Evolution Natural selection	Assessment 5 Atomic structure Electron configuration The periodic table Group 1 Group 7 Group 0 Metals and non-metals Metals and oxygen Metals and Water Metals and acids Reactivity series Displacement reactions   Assessment 6 Calculating speed Distance-time graphs Velocity-Time graphs  Motion  Energy transfers  Kinetic and gravitational energy Forces acting on a spring Moments

 

How can parents help?

• Discuss with your child what they have learned each week.
• Support your child in reviewing the topics they have learned using their KS3 revision guide for your child.
• Encourage your child to relate what they have learned in science each week to real life, everyday contexts.
• Ensure your child completes their homework.
• Discuss science in the news with your child.
• Encourage your child to use BBC Bitesize to revise key topics they have learned before assessments. 

 

Curriculum in Year 10 and Year 11: GCSE Combined Science 

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Combined Science course consists of six externally examined papers. These are available at foundation tier and higher tier. Each paper is marked out of 60 and lasts 1 hour 10 minutes.

Students will also complete 18 core practical investigations which are worth 25% of the overall grade (these are examined within the 1 hour 10 minute papers). The grades awarded are cumulative across all 6 papers and averaged to give the student two overall grades in science.
 

The externally assessed examined papers consist of the following:

Biology paper 1:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology,
• Topic 2 – Cells and control,
• Topic 3 – Genetics,
• Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification,
• Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines

Chemistry paper 1:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry,
• Topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures,
• Topic 3 – Chemical changes,
• Topic 4 – Extracting metals and equilibria

Physics paper 1:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics,
• Topic 2 – Motion and forces,
• Topic 3 – Conservation of energy,
• Topic 4 – Waves,
• Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum,
• Topic 6 – Radioactivity

 Biology paper 2:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology,
• Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions,
• Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis,
• Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals,
• Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles

Chemistry paper 2:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry,
• Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table,
• Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes,
• Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science

Physics paper 2:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics,
• Topic 8 – Energy – Forces doing work,
• Topic 9 – Forces and their effects,
• Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits,
• Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect,
• Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction,
• Topic 14 – Particle model,
• Topic 15 – Forces and matter

 

 How we assess:

	Autumn Term Year 10	Spring Term Year 10	Summer Term Year 10
Overview	Biology Unit 1 End of Unit Assessment   Chemistry Unit 1  End of Unit Assessment	Physics Unit 1 End of Unit Assessment   Biology Unit 2 End of Unit Assessment	Chemistry Unit 2 End of Unit Assessment   Physics Unit 2 End of Unit Assessment
Content	Biology Unit 1 Assessment Cells - Microscopes - DNA - Cell cycles and growth - Stem cells - Transporting substances – Enzymes   Chemistry Unit 1  End of Unit Assessment Atomic structure - Conservation of mass – The Periodic Table – Group 1, 7 and 0 elements, Ionic bonding – Ionic Compound – Covalent compounds – Metallic bonding – Bonding Models	Physics Unit 1 End of Unit Assessment Particle Model – Density – Specific Heat Capacity – Specific Latent Heat – Radiation – Energy stores and transfers - Conservation of energy – GPE and KE   Biology Unit 2 End of Unit Assessment Meiosis – Variation – Inheritance – Natural Selection – Evolution – Selective breeding – Genetic engineering – Health – Pathogens – Defence against disease	Chemistry Unit 2 End of Unit Assessment Changes of state – Rates of Reaction – Separating techniques – Hydrocarbons – Combustion – The Earth and its Atmosphere – Chemistry Calculations   Physics Unit 2 End of Unit Assessment Elasticity – Extension of a Spring – Waves and Wave Properties – EM Spectrum - Refraction
	Autumn Term Year 11	Spring Term Year 11	Summer Term Year 11
Overview	Biology Unit 3 End of Unit Assessment   Chemistry Unit 3 End of Unit Assessment   Physics Unit 3 End of Unit Assessment	Biology Unit 4 End of Unit Assessment   Chemistry Unit 4 End of Unit Assessment	Physics Unit 4 End of Unit Assessment
Content	Biology Unit 3 Assessment Photosynthesis - Limiting factors - Transport in plants – Ecosystems – Field Work   Chemistry Unit 3 Assessment Development of the Periodic Table – Groups 1,7 and 0 Elements – Changes of State – Rates of Reaction – Energy Changes in Reactions   Physics Unit 3 Assessment Particle Model – Density – Specific Heat Capacity – Specific Latent Heat – Elasticity – Extension of a Spring	Biology Unit 4 Assessment Hormones – Controlling Blood Glucose Levels – Diabetes – The Menstrual Cycle – Controlling Fertility – Respiration – Exchange Surfaces – The Heart  -The Circulatory System – CVD   Chemistry Unit 4 Assessment  Separating techniques – Hydrocarbons – Combustion – The Earth and its Atmosphere – Climate Change	Physics Unit 4 Assessment Current and PD – Circuits – Resistance – Power – Electrical Safety – Magnets and Magnetic Fields – The Motor Effect – The Generator Effect – Renewable and Non Renewable Energy Resources – National Grid - Transformers

 

How can parents help?

• Discuss with your child what they have learned each week.
• Invest in a KS4 Combined Science revision guide.
• Encourage your child to revisit the topics they have learned each week and each term using their revision guides.
• Ensure your child completes their homework.
• Encourage your child to use Century Tech and other recommended websites to support their learning. 
• Discuss science in the news with your child.
• Encourage your child to revise key topics before assessments  

 

Curriculum in Year 10 and Year 11: GCSE Biology (Triple Award)

The Edexcel Pearson GCSE (9-1) Biology course consists of two externally-examined papers. These are available at foundation tier and higher tier.

Each paper is 1 hour 45 minute and is marked out of 100.

Both papers are combined to give an average grade overall in biology. Although in biology the topics are the same as in combined, each unit contains extra material which is taught only at triple level. Students will also complete 8 core practical investigations in biology which are worth 25% of the grade examined within the 1 hour 45 minute paper.

 

Biology paper 1:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology
• Topic 2 – Cells and control
• Topic 3 – Genetics
• Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification
• Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines

 

Biology paper 2:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology
• Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions
• Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
• Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals
• Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles

 

How we assess:

	Autumn Term Year 10	Spring Term Year 10	Summer Term Year 10
Overview	Biology Unit 1  End of Unit Assessment	Biology Unit 2  End of Unit Assessment	Biology Unit 3  End of Unit Assessment
Content	Biology Unit 1 Assessment Cells - Microscopes - DNA - Mitosis and the Cell Cycle - Stem cells - The Brain - The Nervous System - Reflexes - The Eye	Biology Unit 2 Assessment Transport of substances - Osmosis - Enzymes - Food Tests	Biology Unit 3 Assessment Meiosis - Sexual and Asexual Reproduction - Mendel - Genetic Inheritance - Classification - Natural Selection - Evolution - Genetic Engineering
	Autumn Term Year 11	Spring Term Year 11	Summer Term Year 11
Overview	Biology Unit 4  End of Unit Assessment    Biology Unit 5  End of Unit Assessment	Biology Unit 6  End of Unit Assessment
Content	Biology Unit 4 End of Unit Assessment Health - Pathogens - Life Cycle of a Virus - Defence against Disease - Immunisation - Antibiotics - Non Communicable Disease - Plant Defences   Biology Unit 5 End of Unit Assessment Photosynthesis - Leaf Structure - Limiting Factors - Root Hair Cells - Transpiration - Translocation - Plant Adaptations - Plant Hormones - Ecosystems - Field Work - Biodiversity - Indicator Species - Food Security	Biology Unit 6 End of Unit Assessment Homeostasis - Thermoregulation -Hormones - The Kidneys - The Menstrual Cycle - Fertility - Control of Blood Glucose - Diabetes - Respiration - Exchange Surfaces -  The Heart and the Circulatory System - CVD

 

How can parents help?

• Discuss with your child what they have learned each week.
• Invest in a KS4 Triple Biology revision guide.
• Encourage your child to revisit the topics they have learned each week and each term using their revision guides.
• Ensure your child completes their homework.
• Encourage your child to use Century Tech and other recommended websites to support their learning. 
• Discuss science in the news with your child.
• Encourage your child to revise key topics before assessments  

 

Curriculum in Year 10 and Year 11: GCSE Chemistry (Triple Award)

The Edexcel Pearson GCSE (9-1) Chemistry course consists of two externally-examined papers. These are available at foundation tier and higher tier. Each paper is 1hour 45 minute and is marked out of 100. Both papers are combined to give an average grade overall in chemistry. Students will also complete 8 core practical investigations in chemistry which are worth 25% of the grade examined within the 1hour 45 minute paper.

 

Chemistry paper 1:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry
• Topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures
• Topic 3 – Chemical changes
• Topic 4 – Extracting metals and equilibria
• Topic 5 – Separate chemistry 1

 

Chemistry paper 2:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry
• Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table
• Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes
• Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science
• Topic 9 – Separate chemistry 2

 

How we assess:

	Autumn Term Year 10	Spring Term Year 10	Summer Term Year 10
Overview	Chemistry Unit 1  End of Unit Assessment	Chemistry Unit 2  End of Unit Assessment	Chemistry Unit 3  End of Unit Assessment
Content	Chemistry Unit 1 Assessment Atomic Structure  and Atomic Models - Development of the Periodic Table - Electronic Configuration - Conservation of Mass - Balancing Equations - Group 1,7 and 0 elements - Ionic Bonding - Ionic Compounds - Metallic Bonding - Covalent Bonding - Covalent Compounds - Bonding Models	Chemistry Unit 2 Assessment Empirical Formula - Moles - Reacting Masses - Concentration - Changes of State - Rates of Reaction - Energy Changes in Reactions - Earths Atmosphere - Climate Change	Chemistry Unit 3 Assessment Separating Techniques - Drinking Water -  Hydrocarbons - Reactions of Alkanes and Alkenes - Combustion - Fuels and Pollution - Ethanol production - Alcohols - Carboxylic Acids
	Autumn Term Year 11	Spring Term Year 11	Summer Term Year 11
Overview	Chemistry Unit 4 End of Unit Assessment    Chemistry Unit 5 End of Unit Assessment	Chemistry Unit 6  End of Unit Assessment
Content	Chemistry Unit 4 End of Unit Assessment Polymerisation - Polymers - Flame Tests - Tests for Ions - Choosing Materials - Composite Materials - Nanoparticles     Chemistry Unit 5 End of Unit Assessment Acids, Alkalis and Indicators - Reactions of Acids - Neutralisation - Electrolysis - Reactivity of Metals - Oxidation and Reduction - Extracting Metals - Recycling and Life Cycle Assessment.	Chemistry Unit 6 End of Unit Assessment  Transition Metals -  Corrosion - Electroplating - Alloying - Alloys - Yields - Atom Economy - Titrations - Molar Volume of Gases - Reversible Reactions / Haber Process - Dynamic Equilibrium - Chemical Cells and Fuel Cells.

 

How can parents help?

• Discuss with your child what they have learned each week.
• Invest in a KS4 Triple Chemistry revision guide.
• Encourage your child to revisit the topics they have learned each week and each term using their revision guides.
• Ensure your child completes their homework.
• Encourage your child to use Century Tech and other recommended websites to support their learning. 
• Discuss science in the news with your child.
• Encourage your child to revise key topics before assessments.

 

Curriculum in Year 10 and Year 11: GCSE Physics (Triple Award)

The Edexcel Pearson GCSE (9-1) Physics course consists of two externally-examined papers. These are available at foundation tier and higher tier. Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes and is marked out of 100. Both papers are combined to give an average grade overall in physics. Students will also complete 8 core practical investigations in physics which are worth 25% of the grade examined within the 1 hour 45 minute paper.

 

Physics paper 1:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
• Topic 2 – Motion and forces
• Topic 3 – Conservation of energy
• Topic 4 – Waves
• Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
• Topic 6 – Radioactivity
• Topic 7 – Astronomy

 

Physics paper 2:
• Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
• Topic 8 – Energy – Forces doing work
• Topic 9 – Forces and their effects
• Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits
• Topic 11 – Static electricity
• Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect
• Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction
• Topic 14 – Particle model
• Topic 15 – Forces and matter

 

How we assess:

	Autumn Term Year 10	Spring Term Year 10	Summer Term Year 10
Overview	Physics Unit 1  Mid Topic Assessment   Physics Unit 1 End of Unit Assessment	Physics Unit 2  End of Unit Assessment	Physics Unit 3  End of Unit Assessment
Content	Physics Unit 1 Mid Topic Assessment Particle Model - Density - Changes of State - Specific Heat Capacity - Specific Latent Heat - Gases - Pressure - Floating and Sinking   Physics End of Unit 1 Assessment  Atomic Structure - Atomic Models - Isotopes and Radiation - Uses of Radiation - Nuclear Fusion - Nuclear Fission - Energy Stores and Transfer - KE and GPE	Physics End of Unit 2 Assessment Elasticity - Extension of a Spring - Waves and Wave Properties - EM Waves - Waves at Boundaries - Reflection - Refraction - Colour - Lenses - Sounds Waves - Ultrasound - Infrasound	Physics Unit 3 Assessment Speed Distance Time - Distance Time Graphs - Acceleration - Velocity Time Graphs - Weight - Vector and Scalar - Contact and Non Contact forces - Newtons Laws - Stopping Distances - Momentum - Moments - Levers and Gears - Gravity and Orbits - The Universe - Life Cycle of a Star
	Autumn Term Year 11	Spring Term Year 11	Summer Term Year 11
Overview	Physics Unit 4 End of Unit Assessment	Physics Unit 5 End of Unit Assessment
Content	Physics Unit 4 Assessment Voltage - Current - Circuits - Resistance - LDRs and Thermistors - Electrical Work - Electrical Power - Electrical Energy - Electrical Safety - Electrostatics - Electric Fields	Physics Unit 5 Assessment Magnets and Magnetic Fields - Electromagnets - Magnetic Forces - FBIL - Renewable and Non Renewable Fuels - Power Stations and the National Grid - Transformers

 

How can parents help?

• Discuss with your child what they have learned each week.
• Invest in a KS4 Triple Physics revision guide.
• Encourage your child to revisit the topics they have learned each week and each term using their revision guides.
• Ensure your child completes their homework.
• Encourage your child to use Century Tech and other recommended websites to support their learning. 
• Discuss science in the news with your child.
• Encourage your child to revise key topics before assessments.

 

Recommended Websites

BBC Bitesize

Seneca

Phet interactive simulations

CENTURY Tech

 

Youtube

Freesciencelessons

Cognito

Fuse Schools

 

Additional Resources

As a department we recommend the use of the CGP Revision materials at both KS3 and for GCSE courses . Revision guides can be purchased via the school shop.