KS3 Chemistry

KS3 Overview

Students in Years 7 and 8 study the modular chemistry based on the AQA Activate scheme. In Year 9 students build on this knowledge and begin to study core concepts of the AQA GCSE syllabus in preparation for KS4. There is a strong emphasis placed on developing knowledge and understanding as well as developing scientific investigation skills throughout KS3 teaching.

Building on KS2 and preparing for KS4…

The KS3 curriculum builds on the KS2 curriculum knowledge of matter, materials and their uses; rocks and reactions through studying the particle model; atoms and elements; reactions of acids; reactions of metals. We also teach the disciplinary of science which enables students to understand “how science works”. As students move into KS4 these key concepts of Chemistry are developed further through the specifications of Combined Science and Chemistry GCSEs. Students develop a greater breadth and depth of subject knowledge and develop their disciplinary knowledge and skills enabling them to become adept at analysis and critical thinking.

KS3 Assessment

There are between six to eight core assessment pieces per year at Key Stage 3. Students receive feedback from teachers and are given reflection time to highlight misconceptions, gaps and areas of expertise. Students are given opportunities to close gaps and consolidate their knowledge and understanding. Verbal feedback is given during lessons regularly. Students are given time develop their knowledge and skills in response to this feedback.

KS3 Content

Y7 Content Autumn	Particles: particle model; states of matter; changing state and processes; pressure and density. Mixtures: separation techniques, including filtration; distillation and chromatography; solubility and dissolving.
Y7 Content Spring	Acids and alkalis: acids and alkalis; indicators and pH; neutralisation and making salts.
Y7 Content Summer	Metals and reactions: elements; reactions of metals with acids, oxygen and water; metal displacement reactions. Science investigations: application of knowledge.
Y8 Content Autumn	Atoms and elements: atoms; elements; compounds; formulae and polymers. The Periodic Table: Ions; metals and non-metals; Periodic Table; Groups 1,7 and 0.
Y8 Content Spring	Reactions and energy: atoms in chemical reactions; combustion; thermal decomposition; conservation of mass; exothermic and endothermic reactions and energy level diagrams.
Y8 Content Summer	Earth, rocks, resources and climate: structure of the Earth; sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks; the rock cycle; ceramics and composite materials; global warming; carbon cycle and climate change; extraction of metals and recycling. Science investigations: application of knowledge.
Y9 Content Autumn	Chemical foundations: physical changes and chemical reactions; conservation of mass; formulae and balancing equations. Atomic structure: development of the atomic model; structure of atoms; ions and isotopes; electronic structure.
Y9 Content Spring	Metals and extraction: reactivity series; displacement reactions and metal extraction.
Y9 Content Summer	Separating mixtures: distillation; chromatography; tests for gases. Periodic Table: the development of the periodic table; Groups 1,7 and transition metals