Science is a core curriculum subject, studied by all pupils at Orchard Mead Academy. Our aim is to prepare young people to tackle problems with a scientific approach, using the skills and knowledge they have learnt within their lessons. Our lessons sequence is planned in a way that allows students have an opportunity to revisit key ideas and principles. Each unit builds upon prior knowledge. We developed the progression model to ensure that students have a sound underpinning before moving on. As students move from Years 7 to 11 they will build upon the knowledge that has been gained from the previous years and extend it further into new ideas. At KS3 the pupils follow the national curriculum, whereas at GCSE pupils will either follow the AQA Trilogy specification which is a duel award course resulting in two GCSE Science grades at the end of Year 11 or AQA Separate Science (triple) specifications which will result in a GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the end of Year 11.
KS3 Curriculum Map
| Year Group: 7 | Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Topics taught | Introduction to Science
Cells Atoms |
Energy
Photosynthesis Metals and Non – Metals |
Acids and Alkali (PT2)
Particle Model |
Breathing
Forces Science Week* |
Circulatory System
Electricity |
Space
Human Reproduction |
| Key Knowledge
and content |
1. Basic Structure of cells, their size and roles of each organelle
2. Animal and Plant cells, and their differences 3. Cell Specialisation 4. The Microscope 5. Structure of the atom 6. Elements react to form compounds. 7. Mixtures |
1. Energy Stores and transfers
2. Calculating Energy and Power 3. Law of conservation of Energy 4. Photosynthesis and what affects its rate. 5. Plant Growth 6. Properties and reactions of Metals |
1. Acids/Alkali and neutralisation reactions
2. Indicators 3. States of Matter 4. Changing states 5. Density |
1. Respiration
2. Function of Lungs 3. Mechanism of breathing 4. Smoking/Exercise and asthma 5. Types of Forces 6. Resultant Forces 7. Moments 8. Gravity, KE and terminal velocity *Various practical activities based around the theme of the year and external visits. |
1. Blood and blood vessels.
2. Structure of the heart 3. Circuit Diagrams 4. Current, voltage and resistance 5. Series and Parallel circuits 6. Electricity in the home |
1. Day, night and seasons
2. The Solar System 3. The Universe – star and galaxies. 4. Sexual reproduction and reproductive organs 5. Pregnancy 6. Growing up and puberty 7. Menstruation |
| Disciplinary Skills Covered | The following skills are taught throughout the Year 7 Science curriculum and are applied in various contexts:
Correct of a range practical equipment – including microscopes and dissections, scientific models and use of diagram representations, calculations in science, conversion of units, planning, collecting Results, making conclusions, evaluation, data analysis and scientific literacy. |
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| Assessment | Throughout Year 7 pupils’ knowledge is assessed in the following ways:
In Lesson – Drill/ recap questions to revisit gateway knowledge, Quality Questioning including cold calling, use of mini whiteboards, Exit tickets. Weekly – Weekly low stake test (multiple choice) assessing current or historically learning depending on homework set. During each topic – End of topic assessment with follow up feedback lesson. Half Yearly – Two summative assessment points (January and June) covering the topics taught. |
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| Year Group: 8 | Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Topics taught | Separating mixtures and types of reaction
Speed Respiration |
Magnetism
Digestion Periodic Table |
Variation
Generating Electricity |
Inheritance
Science Week* Waves |
Ecology
Muscles and Bones |
Environmental Chemistry
Plant Reproduction |
| Key Knowledge
and content |
1. Physical and chemical properties
2. Separation techniques 3. Oxidation and combustion 4. Conservation of mass 5. Speed 6. Distance/time graphs 7. Acceleration 8. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration 9. Uses of anaerobic respiration |
1. Magnets
2. Magnetic Fields 3. Electromagnets 4. Food groups and balanced diets 5. Digestive system 6. The early periodic table 7. Periodic Table and groups within it. |
1. Types of variation
2. Predators and prey 3. Adaptations 4. Renewable and non – renewable energy 5. Power generation 6. Efficiency 7. National Grid |
1. DNA, Chromosomes and genes
2. Sex determination 3. Selective breeding and genetic modification *Various practical activities based around the theme of the year and external visits. 4. Waves 5. Examples of types of waves 6. Light and colour 7. The Eye 8. Uses of waves |
1. Habitat and ecosystem
2. Food chains and webs 3. Interdependence 4. Nutrient cycles 5. The skeleton 6. Muscles, joints and movement 7. Lifestyle choices |
1. Greenhouse effect and climate change
2. Pollution 3. The rock cycle 4. Plant dissection 5. Pollination and fertilisation 6. Germination |
| Disciplinary Skills Covered | The following skills are taught throughout the Year 8 Science curriculum and are applied in various contexts:
Correct of a range practical equipment – including microscopes and dissections, scientific models and use of diagram representations, calculations in science, conversion of units, planning, collecting Results, making conclusions, evaluation, data analysis and scientific literacy. |
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| Assessment | Throughout Year 8 pupils’ knowledge is assessed in the following ways:
In Lesson – Drill/ recap questions to revisit gateway knowledge, Quality Questioning including cold calling, use of mini whiteboards, Exit tickets. Weekly – Weekly low stake test (multiple choice) assessing current or historically learning depending on homework set. During each topic – End of topic assessment with follow up feedback lesson. Half Yearly – Two summative assessment points (January and June) covering the topics taught. |
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Following AQA GCSE: AQA 8464 Combined Science, AQA 8461 Biology, AQA 8462 Chemistry, AQA 8463 Physics
| Year Group: 9 | Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Topics taught | B1 Cells Part 1
C1 Atomic Structure Part 1 |
P1 Energy Part 1
B1 Cells Part 2 C1 Atomic Structure Part 2 |
P1 Energy Part 2
B2 Organisation Part 1 |
B2 organisation P1
P3 Particle Model *Science week |
B2 Organisation Part 2
Preparation for End of Year exams Close the gap following assessments |
C5 Chemical Changes |
| Key Knowledge
and content |
1. Cells and specialised cells
2. Microscopes 3. Microscopes RP 4. Chromosomes and mitosis 5. Stem cells and ethics of using stem cells. 6. Atomic Structure 7. The Periodic Table 8. Elements and Compounds 9. Isotopes 10. Balancing Equations 11. History of the atom |
1. Energy Transfer
2. Conservation of energy 3. Calculating energy 4. Specific Heat Capacity 5. Specific Heat Capacity RP 6. Methods of transport – diffusion, osmosis, and active transport 7. Osmosis RP 8. Modern periodic table 9. History of the periodic table 10. Groups of the periodic table 11. Transition Metals |
1. Work done and power
2. Calculating efficiency 3. Energy resources 4. Energy Transfer 5. Food tests 6. Food tests RP 7. Digestive system |
1. Enzymes
2. Enzymes RP 3. Plant tissue, organs and systems 4. Density 5. Density RP 6. Particle Model 7. Chemical and physical changes 8. Internal energy 9. Specific latent heat 10. Gas motion 11. Pressure in gases *Various practical activities based around the theme of the year and external visits. |
1. Breathing system
2. Blood and vessels 3. The heart 4. Heart disease 5. Non communicable disease Structure revision programme to ensure key concepts are taught. Thorough feedback post assessments ensuring gaps in knowledge are closed ready for Year 10. |
1. Endothermic and exothermic
2. Energy profiles 3. Bond energy calculations 4. Endothermic and exothermic RP 5. Chemical and fuel cells 6. Reactivity series 7. Reactions of Metals 8. Making salts RP 9. Neutrlisation 10. Strong and weak acids 11. Titrations |
| Disciplinary Skills Covered | The following skills are taught throughout the Year 9 Science curriculum and are applied in various contexts:
The Development of Scientific Thinking, Experimental Skills and Strategies, Analysis and Evaluation, Scientific Vocabulary, Quantities, Units, Symbols and Nomenclature |
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| Assessment | Throughout Year 9 pupils’ knowledge is assessed in the following ways:
In Lesson – Drill/ recap questions to revisit gateway knowledge, Quality Questioning including cold calling, use of mini whiteboards, Exit tickets. Weekly – Weekly low stake test (multiple choice) assessing current or historically learning depending on homework set. During each topic – Each topic will now have two in topic mini – assessments consisting of a concept task – theory/knowledge based and a HSW task – required practical/skills (graphs, calculations etc) based. Each assessment is split into Higher/Foundation tier. Feedback given the following lesson with whole class & close the gap feedback sheet. Half Yearly – Two summative assessment points (January and June) covering the topics taught. |
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KS4 Curriculum Map
Following AQA GCSE: AQA 8464 Combined Science, AQA 8461 Biology, AQA 8462 Chemistry, AQA 8463 Physics
| Year Group: 10 | Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Topics taught |
B3 infection and Response C2 Bonding and Structure P4 Atomic Structure |
B4 Bioenergetics
C3 Quantitative Chemistry P2 Electricity |
P2 Electricity
C4 Chemical Changes Biology Paper 1 Mock Exam |
C4 Chemical Changes
B5 Homeostasis and response |
C6 Rates of Reaction
P7 Magnetism B7 Ecology Chemistry Paper 1 Revision |
B7 Ecology C8 Chemical Analysis Preparation for End of Year exams Chemistry Paper 1 – Mock Exam Physics Paper 1 – Mock Exam Close the gap following assessments |
| Key Knowledge
and content |
1. Communicable disease
2. Types of pathogens 3. Specific and non – specific human defence system 4. Immunisation 5. Drug development 6. Monoclonal Antibodies 7. Plant diseases 8. States of matter 9. Ionic Bonding 10. Covalent Bonding 11. Giant covalent and ionic bonding 12. Metallic Bonding 13. Nanoscience 14. Allotropes of carbon 15. Types of Radiation 16. Nuclear Equations 17. Half Life 18. Radiation Risks 19. Fission and Fusion |
4. Photosynthesis
5. Leaf Adaptations 6. Limiting Factors and rate of photosynthesis 7. Use of glucose 8. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration 9. Exercise and metabolism 10. RAM and RFM 11. % by mass and Moles 12. Predicting Products 13. Circuit symbols 14. Current, PD and resistance 15. Types of circuits 16. IV Graphs 17. Static Electricity |
12. Resistance RP
13. Electricity in the home 7. Reactions of Metals 8. Making salts RP 9. Neutralisation Structure revision programme to ensure key concepts are taught. Thorough feedback post assessments ensuring gaps in knowledge are closed ready for Year 10 |
12. Electrolysis and electrolysis RP
7. Reactions of Metals 8. Making salts RP 9. Neutrlisation 1. Homeostasis 2. Nervous system 3. Reaction times RP 4. Endocrine system 5. Blood sugar levels 6. Menstrual cycle 7. Contraception and infertility 8. The brain 9. The eye 10. Water levels and kidneys 11. Plant Hormones |
1. Factors affecting rates.
2. Collision theory 3. Rate of reaction RP 4. Reversible reactions 5. Equilibrium 12. Magnets and Magnetic Fields 13. Electromagnetism 14. Electric Motors 10. Population and competition 11. Biotic and abiotic factors |
1. Distribution RP
2. Nutrient cycles 3. Global warning 4. Deforestation 5. Decay RP 6. Biomass 7. Formulations 8. Gas tests and ion identification 9. Chromatography RP . |
| Disciplinary Skills Covered | The following skills are taught throughout the Year 9 Science curriculum and are applied in various contexts:
The Development of Scientific Thinking, Experimental Skills and Strategies, Analysis and Evaluation, Scientific Vocabulary, Quantities, Units, Symbols and Nomenclature |
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| Assessment | Throughout Year 10 pupils’ knowledge is assessed in the following ways:
In Lesson – Drill/ recap questions to revisit gateway knowledge, Quality Questioning including cold calling, use of mini whiteboards, Exit tickets. |
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Following AQA GCSE: AQA 8464 Combined Science, AQA 8461 Biology, AQA 8462 Chemistry, AQA 8463 Physics
| Year Group: 11 | Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Topics taught | C7 Organic Chemistry
B6 Inheritance, Variation and Evolution Structured exam preparation Biology Paper 2 – Mock Exam |
C9 Chemistry of the Atmosphere
P6 Waves C10 Using Resources P5 Forces |
Physics Paper 2 Revision
Chemistry Paper 2 Revision Chemistry Paper 2 Mock Exam |
Physics Paper 2 Mock Exam
Biology Paper 2 Revision Physics Paper 1 Revision Chemistry Paper 1 Revision |
Biology Paper 1 Revision
Physics Paper 1 Revision Chemistry Paper 1 Revision |
Structured exam preparation |
| Key Knowledge
and content |
12. Hydrocarbons and Crude Oil
13. Cracking 14. Fractional Distillation 15. Alcohols, Carboxylic acids, and Esters 16. Changing atmosphere 17. DNA 18. Reproduction 19. Genetic diagrams and disorders 20. Variation 21. Selective breeding and GM organisms 22. Evolution 23. Fossils 24. Classification Structured revision programme including: 1. Emphasis on required practicals throughout specification 2. Areas which are historically popular throughout all exam papers 3. Predicted papers used as walking/talking mocks. |
1. Atmospheric pollutants
2. Climate Change 15. Global warning 16. Deforestation 17. Reducing Carbon Footprint 18. Greenhouse Gases 19. Finite resources 23. Types of waves 24. The wave equation 25. Measuring wave speed RP 26. Sound 27. Light – reflection and refraction 28. Reflection RP 29. Lenses 30. EM spectrum 31. Uses of EM Waves and dangers 32. Infrared Radiation RP 33. Black body radiation 20. Potable Water 21. Purifying Water RP 22. Life cycle assessments 34. Finite resources 38. Ceramics, composites, and polymers 39. Alloys 40. The Haber process 41. Types of forces 42. Scalar and vector quantities 43. Resultant Force 44. Word Done 45. Hooke’s law RP 46. Fluid pressure 47. Speed 48. Acceleration RP 49. Velocity 50. Newtons 2nd and 3rd Law 51. Stopping distances 52. Momentum |
Structured revision programme including:
1. Emphasis on required practicals throughout specification 2. Areas which are historically popular throughout all exam papers 3. Predicted papers used as walking/talking mocks. |
Structured revision programme including:
1. Emphasis on required practicals throughout specification 2. Areas which are historically popular throughout all exam papers 3. Predicted papers used as walking/talking mocks. |
Structured revision programme including:
1. Emphasis on required practicals throughout specification 2. Areas which are historically popular throughout all exam papers 3. Predicted papers used as walking/talking mocks. |
Structured revision programme including:
1. Emphasis on required practicals throughout specification 2. Areas which are historically popular throughout all exam papers 3. Predicted papers used as walking/talking mocks. |
| Disciplinary Skills Covered | The following skills are taught throughout the Year 9 Science curriculum and are applied in various contexts:
The Development of Scientific Thinking, Experimental Skills and Strategies, Analysis and Evaluation, Scientific Vocabulary, Quantities, Units, Symbols and Nomenclature |
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| Assessment | Throughout Year 11 pupils’ knowledge is assessed in the following ways:
In Lesson – Drill/ recap questions to revisit gateway knowledge, Quality Questioning including cold calling, use of mini whiteboards, Exit tickets. |
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For information about enrichment clubs and revision clubs please visit our clubs page here.
Recommended Websites:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Primrose Kitten – FREE collection of GCSE and A-Level videos on YouTube
Subject Leader/s
Mr R Appadoo