Overview of topics:

Key Stage 3 science studies provide the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all students are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum comprises several big ideas. These are:

1. Forces
2. Electromagnets
3. Energy
4. Waves
5. Matter
6. Reactions
7. Earth
8. Organisms
9. Ecosystem
10. Genes

The topics are revisited each year in a helical structure which helps students make connections between big ideas. Working scientifically also allows our students to work in similar ways to scientists, with our curriculum providing comprehensive coverage of this. We develop four key skills: analysing patterns and data, communicating scientific ideas, scientific enquiry, and problem-solving.

Please download the document below to see an overview of the AQA science syllabus.

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/specifications/AQA-SCIENCE-KS3-SYLLABUS.PDF

How is science assessed in KS3?

Throughout the course, students will complete in class multiple-choice formative assessments, so their teachers can monitor their progress in each topic.

Students will complete 2 cumulative summative assessments, one at the end of Term 1 and one at the end of Term 3. The assessment dates will be communicated home via the Creating Futures assessment table.

Useful web links:

• BBC Education - Science
• Doc Brown - KS3 Science
• AQA Science Specification
• Educake
• S-COOL
• Revision World - GCSE Science

Overview of topics:

At Ridgewood School, students follow one of two Science pathways during Key Stage 4:

• AQA Separate Sciences (Triple Science): Students study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as three individual GCSEs.

• AQA Combined Science: Trilogy: Students study all three sciences but are awarded two GCSE grades upon completion.

Both routes provide students with a broad and solid foundation in science, supporting progression to A-level sciences and a wide range of science-related post-16 courses and careers.

 

Curriculum Content

Biology

1. Cell Biology

2. Organisation

3. Infection and Response

4. Bioenergetics

5. Homeostasis and Response

6. Inheritance, Variation and Evolution

7. Ecology

Chemistry

1. Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

2. Bonding, Structure and Properties of Matter

3. Quantitative Chemistry

4. Chemical Changes

5. Energy Changes

6. The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change

7. Organic Chemistry (limited in Combined Science)

8. Chemical Analysis

9. Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10. Using Resources

Physics

1. Energy

2. Electricity

3. Particle Model of Matter

4. Atomic Structure

5. Forces

6. Waves

7. Magnetism and Electromagnetism

8. Space Physics (only in Separate Science)

Assessment and Examinations

All students are assessed through final written exams at the end of Year 11.

Combined Science (Trilogy)

• 6 exams: 2 each in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

• Each exam is 1 hour 15 minutes

• Students are awarded two GCSE grades (e.g. 6–5, 7–6)

Separate Sciences

• 6 exams: 2 each in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

• Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes

• Students are awarded three individual GCSE grades

Useful Websites for Revision and Support

• GCSE Science - BBC Bitesize
• Doc Brown – KS3 & GCSE Science Resources
• AQA | Science | GCSE | GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy
• AQA | Subjects | Biology
• AQA | Subjects | Chemistry
• AQA | Physics | AS Level | AS Physics
• Educake
• Combined Science past papers - PMT
• GCSE Biology Past Papers - PMT
• GCSE Chemistry Papers - PMT
• GCSE Physics Past Papers - PMT

Tips for Revising Science Effectively

• Use past paper questions regularly. Mark your answers using official mark schemes and read examiner reports to avoid common mistakes.

• Update your revision notes based on the detail expected in mark scheme answers. Add missing keywords and definitions.

• Create and memorise model answers for commonly asked questions.

• Summarise notes onto A3 paper, then convert to flashcards for regular review and self-quizzing.

• Revise practicals—you will be assessed on required practicals in the final exams.

• Use visual tools like flowcharts and mind maps to simplify complex processes.

• Rewrite summary notes repeatedly to improve retention.

• Convert key concepts into lists and mnemonics to improve recall.

• Write revision notes by hand to improve memory and engagement.

• Practise calculations regularly and learn to rearrange equations.

• Memorise required equations not provided on the formula sheet.

• Aim to revisit every topic at least three times before the exam period.

If you have any questions about the Science curriculum or how to support your child’s learning, please contact the Science Department at Ridgewood School.