What is KS3 science? 

Pupils across Years 7, 8, and 9 follow the National Curriculum guidelines and are taught with the new (2019) KS3 Exploring Science Working Scientifically framework. This scheme of learning provides an engaging and inspiring way to develop pupils’ love of science, while building skills that are critical to GCSE (9–1) success. 

Over the three years, pupils will experience over 150 different practical activities introducing them to a full range of skills and techniques in preparation for the GCSE (9-1) Core/required practicals.  

Building a foundation in Year 7, Exploring Science encourages pupils to apply knowledge to unfamiliar context, develop evaluation skills and recognise and respond to GCSE-style command words.    

As well as enthusing pupils in science, the Exploring Science scheme implements terminology and approaches consistent with mathematical teaching.

Each year pupils will work through 12 units across the three disciplines of science. Exploring Science Working Scientifically provides a seamless progression to Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Science qualifications. Topics are mapped to Pearson Edexcel’s 11–16 Science Learning Pathway, Entry Level Certificates and GCSE (9–1) specifications.  

Year 7 Learning Pathway

7a - Cells, Tissues, Organs And Systems	7b - Sexual Reproduction In Animals	7c - Muscles And Bones	7d - Ecosystems
7e - Mixtures And Separations	7f - Acids And Alkalis	7g - The Particle Model	7h - Atoms, Elements And Compounds
7i - Energy	7j - Current Electricity	7k - Forces	7l - Sound

Year 8 Learning Pathway

8a - Food And Nutrition	8b - Plants and their Reproduction	8c - Breathing and Respiration	8d - Unicellular Organisms
8e - Combustion	8f - The Periodic Table	8g - Metals and their Uses	8h - Rocks
8i - Fluids	8j - Light	8k - Energy Transfers	8l - Earth and Space

Year 9 Learning Pathway

Year 9 is divided into 12 Units. 6 units (A, B, E, F, I and J) complete the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum. There are then 3 units of revision and project work, and 3 units that prepare pupils for the transition to GCSE. 

9A - Genetics And Evolution	9B - Plant Growth	9C - Biology Revision And Projects	9D - Biology Transition To GCSE
9E - Making Materials	9F - Reactivity	9G - Chemistry Revision And Projects	9H - Chemistry  Transition To GCSE
9I - Forces And Motion	9J - Force Fields And Electromagnets	9K - Physics Revision And Projects	9L - Physics Transition To GCSE

Assessment 

Baselines - a baseline test will be given to all Year 7s at the beginning of the academic year to measure prior learning in primary education and assist with target setting for pupils starting the Exploring Science course. 

There are two tests which cover all three sciences and basic practical skills.  

End of unit tests, assessment tasks and skills tasks - these are used to measure and support ongoing pupils’ progress against targets, as well as highlighting gaps in the pupils’ knowledge to allow further progression in their learning journey.   

End of year tests - these are used to measure pupil progress at the end of the academic year and identify where strengths and areas for development are in the following year.