GCSE SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Our curriculum follows the AQA Combined Science specification and is carefully sequenced to build secure knowledge across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Each unit is taught as a complete block before moving to the next science. Lessons also include regular retrieval practice, exam-style questions and support with the required practicals.

The exact pace may vary slightly between groups so that we can revisit topics or address misconceptions when needed.

YEAR 9 AND YEAR 10: PAPER 1

AUTUMN 1

CELL BIOLOGY
Cells, microscopy, cell division and transport across membranes.

ATOMIC STRUCTURE
Models of the atom, isotopes and the periodic table.

ENERGY
Energy stores, transfers, calculations and energy resources.

RETRIEVAL AND APPLICATION
Mixed questions and misconception checking.

AUTUMN 2

ORGANISATION
Digestion, enzymes, circulation, gas exchange, health and plant tissues.

BONDING
Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, substance properties and carbon structures.

SPRING 1

ELECTRICITY
Current, potential difference, resistance, circuits, power and energy.

INFECTION AND RESPONSE
Pathogens, disease, immunity, vaccination and medicines.

QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY
Equations, conservation of mass, moles and reacting masses.

RETRIEVAL AND APPLICATION
Review and exam-style questions covering the topics taught so far.

SPRING 2

PARTICLE MODEL OF MATTER
Density, changes of state, internal energy, heating and gas pressure.

BIOENERGETICS
Photosynthesis and respiration, including practical and graph skills.

RETRIEVAL AND APPLICATION
Mixed Paper 1 questions, calculations and misconception checking.

SUMMER 1

CHEMICAL CHANGES
Metals, acids, salts and electrolysis.

ATOMIC STRUCTURE
Atomic models, isotopes and nuclear radiation.

ENERGY CHANGES
Endothermic and exothermic reactions and reaction profiles.

SUMMER 2

PAPER 1 REQUIRED PRACTICALS
Review of the key Biology, Chemistry and Physics practicals.

EXAM-QUESTION PRACTICE
A mixed Paper 1 assessment with live marking and feedback.

TARGETED REVIEW
Reteaching, calculations and exam technique based on the needs of the group.

ACCESS THE YEAR 9 AND 10 COURSE BOOKLETS

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BTj46tpRXT7v_JeORlO508aj8uUlLpoc?usp=share_link

YEAR 11: PAPER 2 AND EXAM PREPARATION

During Year 11, pupils complete the Paper 2 content before moving into structured whole-course exam preparation.

Retrieval from Paper 1 is included throughout the year so that earlier learning remains active.

AUTUMN 1

HOMEOSTASIS AND RESPONSE
The nervous system, blood glucose control and reproductive hormones.

RATES AND EQUILIBRIUM
Reaction rates, collision theory, reversible reactions and equilibrium.

AUTUMN 2

FORCES
Forces and interactions, work done, elasticity, motion, Newton’s laws, stopping distances and momentum.

INHERITANCE, VARIATION AND EVOLUTION
Reproduction, genetics, variation, evolution and classification.

SPRING 1

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Crude oil, hydrocarbons, fractional distillation and cracking.

WAVES
Wave properties, calculations and the electromagnetic spectrum.

ECOLOGY
Competition, ecosystems, sampling, biodiversity and human impacts.

SPRING 2

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Purity, formulations, chromatography and gas tests.

MAGNETISM AND ELECTROMAGNETISM
Magnetic fields, electromagnets and the motor effect.

THE ATMOSPHERE
Development of the atmosphere, climate change and atmospheric pollutants.

SUMMER 1

USING RESOURCES
Sustainability, potable water, life-cycle assessments and recycling.

WHOLE-COURSE EXAM PAPERS
Dedicated practice for Biology, Chemistry and Physics Papers 1 and 2.

FINAL EXAM STRATEGY
Live marking, targeted corrections, examination planning and support with common mistakes.

SUMMER 2

GCSE EXAMINATIONS

RESPONSIVE EXAM SUPPORT
Final retrieval and question practice focused on the next examination pupils will sit.