Key Stage 3

YEAR 7

MATHS

  • Number: integers, decimals, fractions, percentages.

  • BIDMAS (order of operations).

  • Ratio & proportion basics.

  • Algebra: expressions, substitution, simple equations.

  • Geometry: angles, triangles, quadrilaterals.

  • Area & perimeter of 2D shapes.

  • Coordinates & basic graphs.

  • Data handling: bar charts, pie charts, averages.

ENGLISH

  • Introduction to fiction genres (adventure, mystery, fantasy).

  • Novel study (typical: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Holes, etc.).

  • Poetry introduction: imagery, metaphor, simile, personification.

  • Shakespeare introduction (usually A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

  • Writing: narrative structure, descriptive writing, character creation.

  • Non-fiction reading: articles, speeches, letters.

  • Writing to inform/explain: reports, leaflets.

  • SPaG: sentence types, paragraphs, punctuation basics, vocabulary building.

SCIENCE

Biology
  • Cells & microscopy

  • Body systems: breathing, digestion

  • Reproduction (plants & humans)

  • Ecosystems & food chains

Chemistry
  • Particles & states of matter

  • Elements, compounds & mixtures

  • Simple reactions & acids/alkalis

Physics
  • Forces (contact & non-contact)
  • Energy types & transfers
  • Sound & light (intro)

COMPUTER SCIENCE

  • Computer systems: hardware vs software.
  • Understanding binary (intro).
  • E-safety & responsible internet use.
  • Basic programming (Scratch or Python basics).
  • Algorithms (flowcharts, simple problem-solving).
  • Data representation (pixels, sound — intro).
  • Networks basics (what the internet is).

YEAR 8

MATHS

  • Number: higher-order fractions/percentages, standard form (intro).
  • Algebra: expanding brackets, factorising, linear equations and inequalities.
  • Sequences: term-to-term & position-to-term rules.
  • Geometry: circle properties, construction, Pythagoras (intro).
  • Transformations: rotation, reflection, translation, enlargement.
  • Probability (simple).
  • Statistics: comparing data, scatter graphs.

ENGLISH

  • Studying contemporary fiction (themes & character development).
  • Pre-20th century short stories.
  • Poetry comparison (themes, tone, structure).
  • Shakespeare (commonly The Tempest or Romeo & Juliet extracts).
  • Writing: persuasive writing, speeches, argumentative essays.
  • Non-fiction analysis: bias, viewpoint, fact vs opinion.
  • SPaG: complex sentences, advanced punctuation, cohesive devices.

SCIENCE

Biology
  • Respiration

  • Photosynthesis

  • Microbes & health

  • Variation & classification

Chemistry
  • The periodic table (patterns & groups)

  • Chemical reactions (oxidation, displacement)

  • The Earth & atmosphere

Physics
  • Electricity & circuits

  • Magnetism

  • Energy efficiency & renewable energy

  • Waves (properties, frequency, amplitude)

COMPUTER SCIENCE

  • Python programming: variables, input/output, loops, conditions.
  • Algorithms: decomposition & abstraction.
  • Data representation: binary to decimal conversion.
  • Computer architecture: CPU, memory, storage.
  • Spreadsheets & modelling.
  • Networks: LAN/WAN, IP addresses, packets.
  • Cybersecurity fundamentals (malware, phishing).

YEAR 9

MATHS

  • Number: indices laws, surds (intro), proportional reasoning.
  • Algebra: simultaneous equations, quadratics (intro), rearranging formulas.
  • Graphs: linear graphs, gradient, real-life graphs.
  • Geometry: Pythagoras (secure), trigonometry (intro).
  • Area & volume of complex shapes, cylinders, spheres (intro).
  • Statistics: cumulative frequency (intro), sampling.
  • Probability: tree diagrams (intro).

ENGLISH

  • GCSE-style introduction: analytical paragraphs (PEE/PEEL).
  • Novel study of complex themes (e.g., Animal Farm, Of Mice and Men).
  • War poetry / thematic poetry clusters.
  • Shakespeare (usually Macbeth or Othello extracts).
  • Writing: discursive essays, critical writing, creative prose.
  • Non-fiction: rhetoric, structure, advanced analysis of argument.
  • SPaG: accuracy and sophistication, stylistic choices.

SCIENCE

Biology
  • Inheritance, DNA & genes

  • Natural selection

  • Human body systems (circulation, nervous system)

  • Interdependence & ecosystems (GCSE-style introduction)

Chemistry
  • Atomic structure

  • Bonding (ionic, covalent — intro)

  • Reactivity series

  • Rates of reactions (intro)

Physics
  • Motion & forces (speed, distance/time graphs)

  • Electricity (resistance, series/parallel circuits)

  • Energy stores & calculations

  • Particle model (GCSE foundation topics)

COMPUTER SCIENCE

  • Advanced Python: functions, lists, iteration, selection.

  • Algorithms: searching (linear, binary), sorting (bubble).

  • Data representation: binary addition, ASCII, Unicode, images.

  • Logic gates (AND, OR, NOT).

  • Computer systems: operating systems, embedded systems.

  • Networks: protocols, topology, encryption.

  • Cybersecurity: penetration testing, advanced threats.

  • GCSE preparation tasks and problem-solving projects.

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