Science
Students follow content according to the National Curriculum for science, which reviews and builds on the understanding from KS2. Content at KS3 is sequenced carefully for progression and links to prior learning are made clear as students make progress through the key stage. Practical skills are modelled for students with opportunities for students to develop the skills of enquiry and working scientifically. During Key Stage 3, the curriculum also builds in meaningful links to our learners’ real-world experiences as well as the wider world. We aim for students to not only gain the subject knowledge of science, but through practical work to become good scientists themselves. The challenging technical vocabulary of science has a key role in promoting literacy. The curriculum is designed to reinforce and develop mathematics skills in all students.
Subject Intent
At The Derby High School, students follow content according to the National Curriculum for Science, building on prior understanding from Key Stage 2. Content at Key Stage 3 is carefully sequenced to ensure progression and clear links to previous learning.
Practical skills are modelled and developed throughout the curriculum, allowing students to work scientifically and think critically. Lessons connect science to real-world experiences and the wider world, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and responsibility.
We aim for students not only to gain strong subject knowledge but also to become skilled scientific thinkers. The curriculum reinforces literacy through scientific vocabulary and supports numeracy through data analysis and mathematical applications. Assessment takes place at three points in each topic — prior knowledge checks, formative assessments, and end-of-unit evaluations — to ensure meaningful progress.
RESILIENCE Framework
R – Real World
E – Engaging & Enriching
S – Skills for Life
I – Inclusive
L – Leadership
I – Independence
E – Encourages Reflection
N – Next Steps
C – Challenge
E – Ethics & Empathy
KS2 National Curriculum Links
By the end of Key Stage 2, children should:
-
Use abstract scientific ideas to describe and predict how the world works.
-
Recognise that science develops over time as understanding improves.
-
Be able to design and conduct fair tests, drawing conclusions from evidence.
Typical KS2 Topics:
Plants · Animals · Light · Living Things & Habitats · Properties of Materials · Sound · Electricity · Earth & Space · Forces · Rocks
Curriculum Overview
Year 7
-
Cells, Tissues and Organs
-
Forces, Movement and Pressure
-
The Periodic Table and Particles
-
Separating Mixtures
-
Life Diversity
-
Gravity and Circuits
Year 8
-
Atoms, Elements and Compounds
-
Changing Substances
-
Sound and Waves
-
Reproduction and Respiration
-
Photosynthesis and Genetics
-
Energy and Magnetism
Year 9
-
Interdependence and Earth Systems
-
Heating and Mixtures
-
Nutrition and Growth
-
Differentiation, Circuits and Light
Year 10 (AQA Trilogy / Separate Science)
-
Biology: Cells · Organisation · Infection and Response · Bioenergetics
-
Chemistry: Atomic Structure · Bonding · Quantitative Chemistry · Chemical Changes
-
Physics: Energy · Electricity · Particle Model of Matter
Year 11 (AQA Trilogy / Separate Science / OCR Gateway)
-
Biology: Community-level Systems · Genes, Inheritance & Selection
-
Chemistry: Predicting and Identifying Reactions · Energy Changes · Monitoring Reactions
-
Physics: Waves · Radioactivity · Energy and Global Challenges
-
Continued development of practical and analytical skills.
Post-16 Pathways (KS5)
A Level: Biology · Chemistry · Physics
Vocational: HNC Applied Science · Forensic & Criminal Investigation
Apprenticeships: Various Science and Engineering pathways
Careers in Science
Science careers are incredibly diverse and wide-ranging, including:
-
Research Scientist
-
Applied Scientist
-
Medical and Healthcare Professions (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing)
-
Engineering
-
Environmental Science
-
Education (Schools and Universities)
-
Laboratory Technician
-
Forensic Scientist
