Key Stage 3 Science - Syllabus - An approach to teaching the programme of study - Version 2.2

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by jayni

Key Stage 3 Science Syllabus Version 2.2 sets out an approach to teaching the programme of study, helping create engaging lessons and support teaching for understanding. It explains how KS3 science builds mastery of big ideas and linked principles to prepare students for GCSE success. The syllabus describes aims, including developing analytical skills to explain phenomena and make predictions, and outlines the relationship between KS3 content and GCSE sciences. It also details enquiry processes and subject content areas across the key stage.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages78

Reading Time3 h 17 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

1 Introduction

2 Enquiry processes

3 Subject content

4 Working scientifically activity grid

5 Practical skills

| KEY STAGE 3
SCIENCE | | --- | | Syllabus
An approach to teaching the programme of study | Version 2.2 June 2016 Key Stage 3 Science. Version 2.2 Contents 1 Introduction 6 2 Enquiry processes 11 2.1 Analyse patterns 11 2.2 Discuss limitations 12 2.3 Draw conclusions 13 2.4 Present data 14 2.5 Communicate ideas 15 2.6 Construct explanations 16 2.7 Critique claims 17 2.8 Justify opinions 18 2.9 Collect data 19 2.10 Devise questions 20 2.11 Plan variables 21 2.12 Test hypotheses 22 2.13 Estimate risks 23 2.14 Examine consequences 24 2.15 Review theories 25 2.16 Interrogate sources 26 3 Subject content 27 3.1 Forces 27 3.1.1 Speed 27 3.1.2 Gravity 28 3.1.3 Contact forces 29 3.1.4 Pressure 30 3.2 Electromagnets 31 3.2.1 Voltage and resistance 31 3.2.2 Current 32 3.2.3 Electromagnets 33 3.2.4 Magnetism 34 3.3 Energy 35 3.3.1 Energy costs 35 3.3.2 Energy transfer 36 3.3.3 Work 37 3.3.4 Heating and cooling 38 3.4 Waves 39 3.4.1 Sound 39 3.4.2 Light 40 3.4.3 Wave effects 41 3.4.4 Wave properties 42 Visit [aqa.org.uk/ks3sciencesyllabus](aqa.org.uk/ks3sciencesyllabus) for the most up-to-date syllabus, resources, support and administration 3 3.5 Matter 43 3.5.1 Particle model 43 3.5.2 Separating mixtures 44 3.5.3 Periodic table 45 3.5.4 Elements 46 3.6 Reactions 47 3.6.1 Metals and non-metals 47 3.6.2 Acids and alkalis 48 3.6.3 Chemical energy 49 3.6.4 Types of reaction 50 3.7 Earth 51 3.7.1 Earth structure 51 3.7.2 Universe 52 3.7.3 Climate 53 3.7.4 Earth resources 54 3.8 Organisms 55 3.8.1 Movement 55 3.8.2 Cells 56 3.8.3 Breathing 58 3.8.4 Digestion 59 3.9 Ecosystems 60 3.9.1 Interdependence 60 3.9.2 Plant reproduction 61 3.9.3 Respiration 62 3.9.4 Photosynthesis 63 3.10 Genes 64 3.10.1 Variation 64 3.10.2 Human reproduction 65 3.10.3 Evolution 66 3.10.4 Inheritance 67 4 Working scientifically activity grid 68 5 Practical skills 78 Are you using the latest version of this syllabus? • You will always find the most up-to-date version of this syllabus on our website at [aqa.org.uk/ks3sciencesyllabus](aqa.org.uk/ks3sciencesyllabus) • We will write to you if there are significant changes to this syllabus. • Individial Subject content pages can be downloaded from our website. The KS3 Science Syllabus is supported and co-developed by the Sheffield Institute of Education at Sheffield Hallam University. 4 Visit [aqa.org.uk/ks3sciencesyllabus](aqa.org.uk/ks3sciencesyllabus) for the most up-to-date syllabus, resources, support and administration Key Stage 3 Science. Version 2.2 Overview of the KS3 Science Syllabus | | Part 1
Taught in year 7 or year 7/8* | | Part 2
Taught in year 8 or year 8/9* | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Forces | Speed | Gravity | Contact forces | Pressure | | Electromagnets | Voltage and
resistance | Current | Electromagnets | Magnetism | | Energy | Energy costs | Energy transfer | Work | Heating and cooling | | Waves | Sound | Light | Wave effects | Wave properties | | Matter | Particle model | Separating mixtures | Periodic table | Elements | | Reactions | Metals and
non-metals | Acids and alkalis | Chemical energy | Types of reaction | | Earth | Earth structure | Universe | Climate | Earth resources | | Organisms | Movement | Cells | Breathing | Digestion | | Ecosystem | Interdependence | Plant
reproduction | Respiration | Photosynthesis | | Genes | Variation | Human reproduction | Evolution | Inheritance | * Suggested teaching: Each part should be taught over the period of minimum one year. Enquiry processes: working scientifically Analyse • Analyse patterns • Discuss limitations • Draw conclusions • Present data Communicate • Communicate ideas • Construct explanations • Critique claims • Justify opinions Enquire • Collect data • Devise questions • Plan variables • Test hypotheses Solve

FAQs

What is the aim of the KS3 Science syllabus?

The syllabus helps create engaging lessons and promotes teaching for understanding, guiding students on what they need to know by the end of Key Stage 3.

How does KS3 science relate to GCSE sciences?

KS3 develops the content and processes that students will need to demonstrate in GCSE, so students enter Key Stage 4 with the required level of proficiency.

Which enquiry processes are included in the syllabus?

The enquiry processes include analysing patterns, discussing limitations, drawing conclusions, presenting data, communicating ideas, constructing explanations, critiquing claims, justifying opinions, collecting data, and planning variables.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by jayni