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Science

Study topics from Biology, Chemistry and Physics and explore the big ideas of science.

Year 7 Science at Middleton Technology School

Year 7 marks the beginning of students’ secondary science journey. Building on their Key Stage 2 learning, students begin to explore the big ideas of science across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They are introduced to key scientific skills such as planning investigations, collecting and analysing data, and evaluating evidence, all of which form the foundation for future study.

Students study a wide range of engaging and thought provoking topics designed to spark curiosity and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

In Biology, students begin with the study of cells, before exploring the human skeleton and muscles, and the reproductive system. They also investigate ecosystems, heredity and DNA, and climate change and living sustainably, helping them understand how living things function and interact with their environment.

In Chemistry, students explore the states of matter and how substances change state. They study solutions, separation techniques, and diffusion, while developing their understanding of atoms and chemical reactions. These units help students build confidence in using scientific language and conventions.

In Physics, students investigate forces, heating and cooling, and waves, including sound, light and vision. They also explore our solar system and beyond, learning how scientific principles apply to the universe. These topics encourage students to develop calculation skills and apply practical techniques.

Throughout the year, students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and explore ethical issues in science. They begin to master key communication skills such as describing, explaining, concluding and evaluating, all essential for success in science.

Topics Covered in Year 7

  1. Forces
  2. Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state
  3. Cells
  4. Our solar system and beyond
  5. Solutions
  6. Ecosystems
  7. Sound, light and vision
  8. Heredity and DNA
  9. Separation techniques
  10. Human skeleton and muscles
  11. Heating and cooling
  12. Diffusion
  13. Climate change and living sustainably

Year 7 is a vital year for developing both scientific knowledge and skills. By the end of the year, students will have a strong foundation to build on in Year 8 and throughout their time at Middleton Technology School.

Year 8 Science at Middleton Technology School

Year 8 continues to build on the strong foundations laid in Year 7 Science. Students further develop their scientific enquiry skills and begin to make deeper connections between topics and concepts, helping them to explain natural phenomena with increasing confidence and sophistication.

Students study a broad and exciting range of topics across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each designed to extend their understanding and spark curiosity about the world around them.

Biology begins with a detailed exploration of the human digestive system, linking back to prior learning about cells and particles. Students then investigate biodiversity and ecosystems, considering how living things interact and adapt. This leads into the study of species and classification, variation within species, and reproduction in humans, helping students understand how traits are inherited and how life continues.

In Chemistry, students build on their understanding of particles and chemical reactions. They study atoms, elements and compounds, understanding chemical reactions, separation techniques, and fuels and energetics. These units help students develop their ability to carry out practical investigations and communicate their findings using scientific conventions.

Physics topics encourage students to apply their knowledge to real world contexts. They explore moving by force, energy, series circuits, electricity, magnetism, motion and pressure, and making images. Students also begin to use more advanced numerical and literacy skills to express their scientific ideas clearly and accurately.

Throughout the year, students continue to refine their investigative skills, including planning, observing, recording, and evaluating. They are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and apply their knowledge in new and challenging contexts.

Topics Covered in Year 8

  1. Human digestive system
  2. Atoms, elements and compounds
  3. Biodiversity
  4. Understanding chemical reactions
  5. Moving by force
  6. Species and classification
  7. Variation (differences within species)
  8. Earth’s resources
  9. Series circuits
  10. Reproduction in humans
  11. Fuels and energetics
  12. Making images
  13. Diet and exercise
  14. Climate change and greenhouse gases

Year 8 is a key stage in students’ scientific development. It provides opportunities to apply knowledge in new contexts, deepen understanding, and prepare for the more advanced study that lies ahead in Year 9 and GCSE Science.

Year 9 Science at Middleton Technology School

Year 9 Science builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Years 7 and 8, preparing students for the transition into Key Stage 4. Each unit is centred around a thought-provoking question designed to encourage discussion, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how science explains the world around us.

The Year 9 curriculum is largely project-based, giving students opportunities to engage in research, independent learning, practical work, presentations, debates, and investigations. These varied approaches help students develop both their scientific knowledge and the skills needed for success at GCSE level.

Students explore real-world issues such as the environmental impact of plastics, the design process behind race cars, and the implications of plant-based diets. They also apply their learning to practical scenarios, such as designing diet and health plans for athletes and investigating space exploration through the lens of forces.

Throughout the year, key concepts from Year 8 are revisited to reinforce understanding and ensure knowledge is embedded. Toward the end of Year 9, students begin to study GCSE content, laying the groundwork for the next two years with topics such as atomic structure, cells, energy, and the particle model.

Students continue to refine their scientific enquiry skills, including planning investigations, analysing data, and evaluating evidence. They are encouraged to work collaboratively, think independently, and communicate their ideas clearly and confidently.

Topics Covered in Year 9

  1. Breathing and respiration
  2. Acids and bases
  3. Magnets and electromagnets
  4. Plant nutrition and photosynthesis
  5. Materials
  6. Hidden forces
  7. Adaptations, competition, natural selection and evolution
  8. Carbon cycle and climate change
  9. Waves
  10. Disease and drugs
  11. Patterns in the periodic table
  12. Resistance and parallel circuits
  13. Reproduction in plants
  14. Climate change and biodiversity
  15. Cell structure and division
  16. Particle Model
  17. Atoms and the periodic table
  18. Energy

Year 9 is a pivotal year in students’ scientific education. It provides a bridge between Key Stage 3 and GCSE study, ensuring students are confident, curious, and equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in science.

Key Stage 4 Science at Middleton Technology School

At Key Stage 4, students follow either the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy pathway or the AQA Separate Sciences pathway (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Both routes provide a comprehensive science education and prepare students for further study and careers in science-related fields.

Pathways Explained

  • Combined Science: Trilogy
    • Students study all three sciences — Biology, Chemistry and Physics — but receive two GCSEs.
    • The content is slightly condensed compared to the Separate Sciences route.
    • This pathway is suitable for students who want a broad science education without specialising in individual sciences.
  • Separate Sciences (Triple Science)
    • Students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as three distinct GCSEs.
    • The content is more detailed and includes additional topics not covered in the Trilogy route.
    • This pathway is ideal for students who are passionate about science and may wish to pursue science at A-level or beyond.

Both pathways cover the following core units, with Separate Sciences including additional depth and extension content:

Biology Units

  • Cell biology
  • Organisation
  • Infection and response
  • Bioenergetics
  • Homeostasis and response
  • Inheritance, variation and evolution
  • Ecology

Chemistry Units

  • Atomic structure and the periodic table
  • Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
  • Quantitative chemistry
  • Chemical changes
  • Energy changes
  • The rate and extent of chemical change
  • Organic chemistry
  • Chemical analysis
  • Chemistry of the atmosphere
  • Using resources

Physics Units

  • Energy
  • Electricity
  • Particle model of matter
  • Atomic structure
  • Forces
  • Waves
  • Magnetism and electromagnetism
  • Space physics (Separate Science only)

Skills Development

Throughout Key Stage 4, students continue to develop a wide range of scientific skills that are essential for success at GCSE and beyond. These include:

  • Scientific enquiry and practical skills
    Students learn to plan and carry out experiments, make accurate observations, record data systematically, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Required practicals are embedded throughout the curriculum to ensure hands on experience with core scientific techniques.
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving
    Pupils are encouraged to interpret data, identify patterns, and apply logical reasoning to solve scientific problems. They learn to evaluate evidence and consider alternative explanations.
  • Mathematical application in science
    Students apply mathematical skills such as calculating percentages, interpreting graphs, using formulas, and converting units. These skills are integrated into all three sciences and are assessed in the final exams.
  • Communication of scientific ideas
    Pupils develop the ability to express scientific concepts clearly and accurately using appropriate terminology. They learn to construct explanations, justify conclusions, and present arguments based on evidence.
  • Critical thinking and ethical awareness
    Students explore the social, environmental, and ethical implications of scientific developments, encouraging thoughtful discussion and informed opinions.

Assessment

Assessment at KS4 is designed to test both knowledge and skills across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The structure differs slightly depending on the pathway:

Combined Science: Trilogy

  • Students sit six exams: two each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
  • Each paper is 1 hour 15 minutes long.
  • Exams assess both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding.
  • Students are awarded two GCSEs in Combined Science.

Separate Sciences (Triple Science)

  • Students sit six exams: two each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
  • Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes long.
  • Exams include additional content and more in depth questions.
  • Students are awarded three separate GCSEs, one in each science.

Both pathways include:

Application of mathematical skills across all papers

Multiple-choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions

Assessment of required practicals and analysis of data

Further Reading