Science

Curriculum Intent

At our school, Science is more than a subject – it is a gateway to understanding the world, developing critical thinking, and preparing for the future. Our vision is to spark curiosity, inspire ambition, and equip every student with the scientific knowledge and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world

Delivered by a team of highly skilled subject specialists, supported by expert technicians, our curriculum offers a rich blend of theory, practical investigation, and real-world application. Every lesson takes place in well-resourced laboratories, enabling students to explore scientific ideas in a safe, stimulating environment where curiosity and creativity can flourish.

From the start of Year 7, students are immersed in a curriculum designed to build secure scientific understanding, resilience, and confidence. Through challenging topics and frequent opportunities for practical work, students learn to question, to reason, and to explain – essential skills for success not only in science but across all areas of learning.

By the time students reach Key Stage 4, they are fully prepared to progress through the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy course, with the option to study Triple Science for separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Our curriculum sequencing ensures that students build deep knowledge over time while making clear links between the sciences and the wider world, from health and medicine to energy, technology, and the environment.

Beyond subject content, we place a strong emphasis on transferable skills: problem-solving, data analysis, communication, and teamwork. Students learn to form evidence-based opinions and justify them clearly – skills that are highly valued by employers, universities, and apprenticeship providers alike.

We are committed to providing an inclusive curriculum where every student is challenged, supported, and inspired. Whether students choose to pursue STEM careers or simply want to understand the science shaping their lives, our aim is to give them the knowledge, confidence, and ambition to succeed beyond the classroom.

Curriculum Overview

 

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

 

Y7

 

Science Skills – Investigative skills, variables, accuracy, data handling, Maths skills, Graph skills

 

 

Forces & Motion (Forces, Speed, Motion Graphs), Reproduction (Adolescence, Fertilisation, Foetus Development)

Particle Model & States of Matter (Solids, Liquids, Gases, Diffusion)

Chemical Reactions & Equations (Word Equations, Burning Fuels, Thermal Decomposition), Photosynthesis

 

Respiration (Aerobic & Anaerobic), Revision, Space Introduction

 

Acids & Alkalis (pH, Neutralisation, Making Salts), Ecology, Space Continued

 

Y8

 

Science Skills, Electricity & Magnetism, Periodic Table Basics

 

Mixtures & Solutions, Separation Techniques, Digestive System, Diet & Enzymes

Bacteria & Enzymes, Drugs, Energy & Temperature, Energy Transfer

Acids & Metals, Metal Reactions, Photosynthesis, Plant Minerals, Respiration

Respiration, Food Chains & Webs, Ecosystems, Revision

 

Variation, Inheritance, Natural Selection, Extinction, Science Fair Planning

 

 

Y9

 

Science Skills, Maths Skills, Electricity Basics

Atomic Structure (Atoms, Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, Periodic Table), End of Term Test

Cell Biology (Cells, Microscopy, Diffusion, Osmosis, DNA & Cell Division)

Physics: Energy Stores, Work Done, Power & Efficiency, Energy Transfer, Heating & Insulation, Renewable Energy

Chemistry: Structure & Bonding (Ionic, Covalent, Giant Structures), Practical Skills, Unit Conversions

Year in Review, Preparation for Year 10

 

Y10

 

Organ Systems, Bonding & Structure

Infections, Electricity, Particle Model of Matter

 

Assessment Feedback, Physics Atomic Structure, Quantitative Chemistry

Bioenergetics, Chemistry Energy Changes, Chemical Changes, Exam Practice

 

Revision of Cells, Energy Physics, Chemical Changes

 

Homeostasis, Forces Paper 2, Mock Exams

 

Y11

 

Homeostasis & Response, Chemical Change, Organic Chemistry, Forces

Continue Forces, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Mock Exams

 

Waves, Inheritance & Variation, Chemistry of the Atmosphere, Using Resources

Inheritance & Variation, Magnetism, Ecology

Paper 1 Revision, Exam Practice, Continue Ecology

 
Public Exams

 

Key Stage 4 Specification

Subject Leader:

Mr Abukar

Contact:

mabukar@sunburymanor.surrey.sch.uk

Head of KS4:

 Mrs Isa

Contact:

 disa@sunburymanor.surrey.sch.uk

Exam Specification:

AQA Trilogy

QN code:

601/8506/5

 

 

Summary of course content - Biology

  1. Cell biology

  2. Organisation

  3. Infection and response

  4. Bioenergetics

  5. Homeostasis and response

  6. Inheritance, variation and evolution

  7. Ecology

Assessment

2 exams in total

  1. Biology paper 1 (1 hour and 15 minutes)
  2. Biology paper 2 (1 hour and 15 minutes)

Summary of course content - Chemistry

  1. Atomic structure and the periodic table

  2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter

  3. Quantitative chemistry

  4. Chemical changes

  5. Energy changes

  6. The rate and extent of chemical change

  7. Organic chemistry

  8. Chemical analysis

  9. Using resources

Assessment

2 exams in total

  1. Chemistry paper 1 (1 hour and 15 minutes)
  2. Chemistry paper 2 (1 hour and 15 minutes)

Summary of course content - Physics

  1. Energy

  2. Electricity

  3. Particle model of matter

  4. Atomic structure

  5. Forces

  6. Waves

  7. Magnetism and electromagnetism

Assessment

2 exams in total

  1. Physics paper 1 (1 hour and 15 minutes)
  2. Physics paper 2 (1 hour and 15 minutes)

What type of activities take place in lessons?

Practical work and theory

What type of homework tasks will be set?

Research, revision, exam questions

How will it help me in the future?

Awareness and greater understanding of the world around you.

How will this course build on what I have studied in Year 9?

All work done in KS3 will be built upon to  a higher level of understanding

What skills will I develop?

The ability to carry out and evaluate practical processes and analyse the results collected.  Literacy and numeracy skills and the ability to work as part of a team are also developed.