KS3 Physics

KS3 Overview

Students in Years 7 and 8 study the modular Physics approach based on the development of key ideas, such as Energy and Forces, including four units of study in each year ranging from energy, thermal energy, forces and space in year 7 to forces, electricity, light and sound in year 8. This approach is supported by using online tools such as kerboodle, which includes resources such as AQA Activate and others, for example. 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 National Curriculum knowledge in both year 5 (Earth and space, Forces – these topics covered in year 7/8) and year 6 (Light and Electricity – these topics covered in year 8). We also teach the disciplinary of science which enables students to understand “how science works”. As students move into KS4 these key concepts of Physics are developed further through the specifications of GCSE Physics and GCSE Combined Science. 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 usually four core Physics assessment pieces per year at Key Stage 3 included in the Science assessments plus the corresponding end-of-year assessment. 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 and students complete their own feedback after assessments. Students are given time develop their knowledge and skills in response to this feedback.

KS3 Content

Y7 Content Autumn	P1 Energy and P2 Thermal Energy transfers.
Y7 Content Spring	P2 Thermal energy transfers and P3 Forces 1.
Y7 Content Summer	P3 Forces 1 and P4 Solar System.
Y8 Content Autumn	P5 Forces 2 and P6 Electric circuits.
Y8 Content Spring	P6 Electric circuits and P7 Light.
Y8 Content Summer	P7 Light and P8 Sound.
Y9 Content Autumn	GCSE course starts: Energy stores and conservation of energy; energy resources; energy resources and formulae (start).
Y9 Content Spring	Energy resources and formula (end); particle model of matter (start).
Y9 Content Summer	Particle model of matter (end); Thermal energy transfers.