Science
This document contains details of how the subject is sequenced over the years of delivery. Included are assessment points and the prior learning that will be included in these assessments. It also includes where topics are revisited to maximise student retrieval and retention. Along with curriculum content, opportunities to develop links with careers are also identified in order to bring the relevance of the curriculum into the wider life context.
The purpose of our Key Stage 3 scheme is to provide robust foundations to allow students to develop into analytical, methodical, and innately inquisitive scientists. Students are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. The three disciplines are split into topics which are introduced in Year 7 and built upon in Year 8 and 9. Teaching is focused on the scientific method and students are given opportunities within lessons to build the necessary skills to suggest a hypothesis, collate valid data and make logical conclusions, using knowledge shared with them. Students are assessed on their mastery of knowledge and the application of this knowledge in both ‘real world’ and investigative science. Good habits are reinforced at every possible opportunity: scientific language is used, math's skills are modelled, recall of key knowledge is reinforced and students are given opportunities to both ask and answer questions using experimental approaches.
Teaching science in key stage 4 continues to build upon and deepen the knowledge, understanding and scientific skills developed in the earlier key stage. In Biology, the topics covered seek to understand living organisms and life. It considers the complex systems involving interactions between genes, the environment and random chance. Physics builds its explanations on measurable quantities that can be put into numerical relationships. Chemistry draws heavily on the use of models and modelling to explain the behaviour of matter and routinely involves the synthesis of the objects it studies. Pupils continue to work scientifically and think like a scientist through a broad, coherent and practical based curriculum that will challenge and inspire students.
Pupils complete either GCSE Combined Science or separate sciences (GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics).
GCSE Combined Science AQA 8464
Biology Paper 1
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. |
Biology Paper 2
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. |
Chemistry Paper 1
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. |
Chemistry Paper 2
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. |
Physics Paper 1
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. |
Physics Paper 2
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. |
GCSE Separate Science 8461,8462,8463
Biology Paper 1
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. |
Biology Paper 2
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. |
Chemistry Paper 1
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination |
Chemistry Paper 2
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination. |
Physics Paper 1
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes |
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Physics Paper 2
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Overview |
Focus |
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Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes |
A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination. |
KS4 Exam Board Specification (Combined Science): AQA Combined Science Trilogy (8464)
KS4 Exam Board Specification (Biology): AQA Biology (Separate Sciences) (8461)
KS4 Exam Board Specification (Chemistry): AQA Chemistry (Separate Sciences) (8462)
KS4 Exam Board Specification (Physics): AQA Physics (Separate Sciences) (8463)
Year 7
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Term |
Content |
Sequencing |
Assessment |
Careers links, Experiences & Future Subject Ambition |
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Autumn 1 |
Topics: Lab Skills & Cells
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Key Stage 2 Cells
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment: Lab Skills
WRR using a microscope & baseline assessment |
Forensic scientist | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Autumn 2 |
Topics: Particles & Forces
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Key Stage 2 States of Matter Key Stage 2 Forces
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
Lab Skills, Cells and Particles Assessment WRR particles WRR stretching a spring
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Spring 1 |
Topics: Body Systems & Atoms, Elements & Compounds
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Key Stage 2 Animals, including humans
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
Body Systems & Atoms, Elements & Compounds Assessment
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Physiotherapist | Explore careers | National Careers Service
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Spring 2 |
Topic: Sound
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Previous topics built on in this topic: Key Stage 2 Light & Sound
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Consolidation/Summative assessment:
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TV or film sound technician | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Summer 1 |
Topic: Reproduction & Reactions
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Previous topics built on in this topic: Key Stage 2 Living things and their habitats & plants
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Assessment week 2 – 28.04.2025 Consolidation/Summative assessment: End of Year Cumulative Assessment
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Year 8
Year 8 assessment dates
Assessment week 1 – 30.09.2024
Assessment week 2 – 03.03.2025
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Term |
Content |
Sequencing |
Assessment |
Careers links & Experiences |
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Summer 2 |
Topic: Human digestive system & Atoms elements and compounds
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Year 7 Particles Year 7 chemical reactions
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment: Non scheduled this half term
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Autumn 1 |
Topic- Elements and compounds, Biodiversity and understanding chemical reactions.
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Year 7 body systems Year 8 Digestion Year 7 chemical reactions Year 7 atoms, elements, compounds and chemical formulae
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Consolidation/Summative assessment:
Digestion and atoms assessment 15.09.25
WRR adaptations WRR chemical reactions |
Countryside ranger | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Autumn 2 |
Topic- Moving by force, classification and variation
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Previous topics built on in this topic: Year 7 forces Year 7 specialised cells Year 7 reproduction in humans
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Consolidation/Summative assessment:
Assessment Biodiversity, Understanding chemical reactions and moving by force 17.11.25
WRR distance time graph WRR Continuous and discontinuous variation
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Design and development engineer | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Spring 1 |
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
KS2 Earth and rocks Legacy year 7 – Earth and the solar system
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Consolidation/Summative assessment:
Assessment: Classification, variation, Earth’s resources, series circuits 09.02.26
WRR earth’s resources WRR human reproduction |
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Spring 2 |
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Previous topics built on in this topic: Year 7 chemical reactions Legacy Year 7- energy and temperature
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Consolidation/Summative assessment: No scheduled assessment this half term
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Chemical engineering technician | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Summer 1 |
Topic: Making images and diet and health
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Previous topics built on in this topic: Year 8 digestive system
Year 7 waves and sound
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Consolidation/Summative assessment:
End of year assessment 25.05.26
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Year 9
Year 9 assessment dates
Assessment week 1 – 09.12.2024
Assessment week 2 – 31.03.2025
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Term |
Content |
Sequencing |
Assessment |
Careers links & Experiences |
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Summer 2 |
Topic: Breathing and respiration and acids and bases
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Year 7 diffusion Year 7 breathing and gas exchange
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Consolidation/Summative assessment: No planned assessment this half term
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Autumn 1 |
Topic: Magnets and electromagnets, Photosynthesis, hidden forces and materials
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Year 7 Forces Year 8 series circuits Year 7 plants cells
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Consolidation/Summative assessment:
Assessment- Breathing, respiration, magnets, photosynthesis and materials. 06.10.25
WRR stomatal count WRR investigating springs
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Chemical plant process operator | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Autumn 2 |
Topic: Adaptations and evolution, Carbon cycle and climate change, Waves
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Year 7 sound Year 8 Variation Year 8 calculating speed Year 9- acids and carbonates |
Assessment week 1 – Consolidation/Summative assessment:
Assessment- Hidden forces, adaptations, Carbon cycle and climate change 08.12.25 WRR adaptations WRR The carbon cycle
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Quarry engineer | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Spring 1 |
Topic: Drugs and disease, patterns in the periodic table, Parallel circuits
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Previous topics built on in this topic: Year 9 breathing and gas exchange Year 8 series circuits
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Consolidation/Summative assessment:
Assessment- Waves, disease and drugs and patterns in the periodic table 02.02.26
WRR drug testing |
Children's nurse | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Spring 2 |
Topic: Reproduction in plants, Climate change and biodiversity
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Previous topics built on in this topic: Year 9 carbon cycle Year 9 plant nutrition and photosynthesis Year 7 Plant cells
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Consolidation/Summative assessment: None planned this half term
WRR reproduction in plants
WRR Carbon Footprint |
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Summer 1 |
Topic: Energy transfers, work done and thermal energy, exo and endothermic reactions, DNA structure and maintaining biodiversity
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Previous topics built on in this topic: Year 7 chemical reactions Year 8 combustion and decomposition Year 8 heating and cooling Year 7 cells Year 9 pH and indicators
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Consolidation/Summative assessment: Assessment: Resistance and parallel, biodiversity, reproduction in plants 13.04.26 Assessment- End of year test 25.05.26
WRR- exo and endothermic method writing |
Year 10
Year 10 assessment dates
Assessment week 1 – 10-11-25
Assessment week 2 – 09-02-26
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Term |
Content |
Sequencing |
Assessment |
Careers links & Experiences |
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Autumn 1 |
Topic: Biology paper 1
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Previous topics built on in this topic: Cells, observing, specialised cells, cell transport, diffusion, levels of organisation, structure of the digestive system, digestive enzymes, food tests, absorption of nutrients, a balanced diet, diet deficiencies, obesity and malnutrition.
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
WRR - Cells & microscopy WRR - Osmosis in plant cells WRR - Food tests.
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Jobs that use Food and Nutrition - Careers - BBC Bitesize
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Autumn 2 |
Topic: Biology paper 1 & Chemistry paper 1
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Breathing and gas exchange, effects of exercise, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, plant nutrition and photosynthesis.
The particle model, atoms, elements, compounds, chemical formulae, chemical reactions and word equations, conservation of mass, periodic table and patterns in the periodic table.
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
WRR - Rate of photosynthesis
Biology paper 1 (2024)
WRR - Atomic Structure & Bonding
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All careers in health and science | National Careers Service |
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Spring 1 |
Topic: Chemistry paper 1 & Physics 1
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
The particle model, atoms, elements, compounds, chemical formulae, chemical reactions, naming compounds and word equations, conservation of mass. PH scale and indicators, acids and metals, neutralisation, acids and carbonates and exothermic and endothermic reactions.
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment: WRR - Electrolysis & Chemistry Paper 1
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Chemical engineer | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Spring 2 |
Topic: Physics Paper 1
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Energy diagrams, energy stores and transfers, specific heat capacity of water, insulators and work done. Making series circuits, measuring current and voltage, fixing faulty circuits. The particle model and atoms.
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
WRR - Global Energy Resources
WRR - Domestic Uses of Electricity/Safety
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Renewable energy engineer | Explore Careers | National Careers Service |
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Summer 1 |
Topic: Physics Paper 1 & Biology Paper 2
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
The particle model and atoms.
DNA structure, selective breeding and genetic engineering, conservation and maintaining biodiversity and classification.
Habitat loss, deforestation, climate change and biodiversity. Adaptations, variation, competition and natural selection.
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
Physics Paper 1
WRR - Nervous System
WRR - Hormones of the Menstrual Cycle
WRR - Ecology
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Year 11
Year 11 assessment dates
Assessment week 1 – 06-10-25
Assessment week 2 – 12-01-26
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Term |
Content |
Sequencing |
Assessment |
Careers links & Experiences |
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Autumn 1 |
Topic: Biology Paper 2 & Chemistry Paper 2
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Balanced and unbalanced forces, contact and non-contact forces, calculating speed, distance-time graphs, comparing speeds, pressure and stretching springs.
Cells, specialised cells, levels of organisation and blood.
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
Mock Exams – B1, C1 & P1.
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What jobs can I do with a chemistry qualification? | RSC Education
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Autumn 2 |
Topic: Physics Paper 2 & Biology Paper 2
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Water waves, sound waves and light (colour and the spectrum, reflection and refraction).
DNA structure, selective breeding and genetic engineering, conservation and maintaining biodiversity.
Magnets, magnetic fields, electromagnets and using electromagnets.
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
WRR - Waves
WRR - DNA Structure & Function
WRR – Selective Breeding and Genetic Engineering
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Where physics could take you: Career paths | Institute of Physics |
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Spring 1 |
Topic: Physics Paper 2 & Chemistry Paper 2
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Atoms, elements and compounds. Testing gases and separating techniques.
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
Mock Exams B2, C1 & P2 (based on content done to date – up to and including waves)
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Careers with the European Space Agency |
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Spring 2 |
Topic: Revision
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Previous topics built on in this topic:
Atmosphere and carbon cycle, climate change and biodiversity and recycling.
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Consolidation/ Summative assessment:
WRR – Chemistry of the Atmosphere
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Climate scientist | Explore Careers | National Careers Service
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Summer 1 |
Topic: Revision for GCSE Examinations
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