Science Curriculum Map
Statement of Intent
At St Mary’s, the science curriculum ignites curiosity about God’s created world and develops scientifically literate, numerate and ethically aware young people who are equipped to make informed decisions about the world they live in. Through science, students learn to question, reason and seek truth, developing respect for evidence, for one another, and for the moral responsibility that accompanies scientific knowledge. In doing so, science supports our Catholic mission by promoting stewardship of creation, human dignity and social responsibility.
Science is a core entitlement for all students at St Mary’s. All pupils study science throughout Key Stage 3 and have the option to choose between triple or combined science at Key Stage 4, ensuring that every student leaves school with a secure understanding of the scientific ideas that shape modern life. We also offer ambitious progression routes at Key Stage 5, including the traditional A levels of Biology, Chemistry, Physics as well as an A Level in Environmental Science and a Level 3 qualification in Medical Science, reflecting both student aspiration and our commitment to serving the needs of the local community.
Our science curriculum is a carefully sequenced journey from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5, moving students from concrete understanding of foundational concepts to increasingly abstract reasoning about complex systems, the Earth and the universe. Across biology, chemistry and physics, learning is structured around big ideas that define why knowledge matters, before unfolding through the story of scientific understanding. Core knowledge is explicitly identified and protected, while key concepts are intentionally spiralled so that students reuse and apply their knowledge in new and increasingly challenging contexts.
Alongside substantive knowledge, students develop a clear understanding of how science works. They learn how scientific knowledge is generated, tested and refined, and how evidence is used to establish and challenge scientific ideas. This develops critical thinking, intellectual humility and respect for truth — qualities that sit at the heart of both scientific enquiry and our Catholic ethos.
The science curriculum at St Mary’s is intentionally inclusive and ambitious, grounded in the belief that all students are capable of deep scientific thinking when teaching is purposeful, well-supported and expertly delivered. Through high-quality, first teaching, we address gaps in prior knowledge, challenge misconceptions and ensure that all students, regardless of background or starting point, can access and succeed in ambitious scientific learning. Scientific literacy and numeracy are prioritised throughout, enabling students to communicate confidently using scientific language, data and evidence.
Science at St Mary’s is rooted in everyday experience and global context. Students are encouraged to connect scientific explanations to the world around them, to engage in questioning and debate, and to explore the ethical, environmental and societal implications of scientific developments. The curriculum reflects the diversity of those who contribute to science and challenges narrow stereotypes, helping students to see science as relevant, inclusive and impactful.
Through purposeful practical work, rich discussion and carefully structured knowledge, the science curriculum aims to inspire curiosity, confidence and resilience. Ultimately, we seek to equip all students with the scientific understanding, skills and values needed to lead fulfilled lives, contribute positively to society and act as thoughtful stewards of the world they inhabit.
KS2 information
Before starting the KS3 science curriculum, students will have developed a secure foundation through the KS2 National Curriculum. They will be familiar with key ideas in biology, chemistry, and physics, including living things and their habitats, basic human body systems, materials and their properties, states of matter, forces and motion, light, sound, and electricity. They will also have begun to work scientifically by asking simple questions, planning and carrying out investigations, taking accurate measurements, recording data using tables and simple graphs, and identifying patterns in results. This prior knowledge provides a strong basis for developing deeper scientific understanding and more advanced practical and analytical skills at KS3.
Year 7 Curriculum Map
Phase 1
Chemistry – Introduction to Science at SMCA
Biology – Introduction to cell structure and function
Physics – Introduction to forces and magnetism
Phase 2:
Chemistry – The properties of the three states of matter, Heating and Cooling.
Biology – Transport of substances and human systems
Physics – Forces and Motion
Phase 3:
Chemistry – Mixtures and Separating techniques
Biology – Human reproduction and the menstrual cycle
Physics – Forces and Motion continued
Phase 4:
Chemistry – Atoms, Elements and Compounds and the Periodic Table
Biology – Ecology and plant reproduction
Physics – Forces and Energy
Year 8 Curriculum Map
Phase 3:
Chemistry – Common Acid reactions and Oxidation
Biology – Transport systems in plants, Photosynthesis and the carbon and water cycles
Physics – Sound and the uses of waves
Phase 4:
Chemistry – Earth’s Resources, Sustainability.
Biology – Healthy living
Physics – Heating our homes, domestic electricity and Space
Year 9 Curriculum Map
Phase 1
Chemistry – Atomic structure, Atomic Mass and Relative Formula Mass
Biology – Introduction to inheritance
Physics – Static and Current Electricity
Phase 2:
Chemistry – Ions and Ionic compounds
Biology – Variation, Natural selection and selective breeding
Physics – Parallel circuits, Resistance
Year 10 COMBINED SCIENCE Curriculum Map
Biology:
Infection and Response
Chemistry:
Bonding and Structure
Physics:
Electricity
Biology:
Organisation in Humans
Chemistry:
Quantitative
Physics:
Particle Model
Biology:
Organisation in Plants
Chemistry:
Chemical Changes
Physics:
Atomic Structure
Biology:
Ecology
Chemistry:
Energy Changes and Rates of a Reaction
Physics:
Magnetism
Year 10 Triple SCIENCE Curriculum Map
Biology:
Organisation in Plants
Chemistry:
Chemical Changes
Physics:
Atomic Structure
Biology:
Ecology
Chemistry:
Energy Changes
Physics:
Waves
Biology:
IVE
Chemistry:
Chemical Analysis
Physics:
Rates
Year 11 Combined Science Curriculum Map
Year 11 Triple Science Curriculum Map
First Teaching Sept 2026
Year 7 Curriculum Map
Developing the Fundamentals
Introduction to Science
Students learn how scientists investigate the world using accurate measurement, data handling, and how they make clear conclusions. The topic builds the foundations of working scientifically, including safety, variables, graphs, and evaluating evidence.
Health and Human Systems
Students study how the human body is organised from cells to systems and how these systems work together to keep us alive. The topic explores digestion, respiration, reproduction, movement, diet, energy in food, and the effects of drugs and lifestyle choices on health.
Building Blocks of the World
Students explore what all substances are made of, from particles and states of matter to atoms, elements, and compounds. They learn how substances can be separated, changed, and reacted, introducing the foundations of chemistry and the periodic table.
Forces and Energy
Students learn how forces and energy cause objects to move, stop, and change. They explore motion, speed, pressure, moments, springs, work, power, and energy transfers, building a foundation for understanding physical systems.
Year 8 Curriculum Map
Making Connections
Reactions and Resources
Students investigate how substances react and how Earth’s resources are used to make useful materials. They explore atoms, elements, compounds, acids reactions, energy changes in reactions, reactivity, combustion, and the properties of ceramics and composites.
Powering our World
Students learn how energy is transferred and controlled to power modern life. The topic covers static and current electricity, circuits, resistance, power, efficiency, electromagnetism, heating homes, and the cost of electricity.
The Living World
Students explore how living organisms depend on each other and their environment to survive. They study photosynthesis, respiration, food chains and webs, biodiversity, sampling, the carbon cycle, and selective breeding.
Waves and Communication
Students learn how waves transfer energy and information through sound and light. They explore transverse and longitudinal waves, echoes, reflection, refraction, colour, lenses, and how waves are used in communication.
Year 9 Curriculum Map
Synthesising ideas and evaluating science in society
Genes, Health and Change
Students learn how genes, environment, and lifestyle choices influence health and survival. The topic covers DNA, inheritance, variation, evolution, immunity, vaccination, antibiotics, metabolism, and the impact of health choices.
Our Planet and Future
Students explore how Earth’s systems work together and how human activity affects the planet. They study Earth’s structure, rocks and fossils, the atmosphere, climate change, energy resources, carbon footprints, satellites, space exploration, and sustainability.
Year 10 COMBINED SCIENCE Curriculum Map
Biology:
Organisation in Plants
Chemistry:
Chemical Changes
Physics:
Atomic Structure
Biology:
Ecology
Chemistry:
Energy Changes and Rates of a Reaction
Physics:
Magnetism
Year 10 TRIPLE SCIENCE Curriculum Map
Biology:
Organisation in Plants
Chemistry:
Chemical Changes
Physics:
Atomic Structure
Biology:
Ecology
Chemistry:
Energy Changes
Physics:
Waves
Biology:
IVE
Chemistry:
Chemical Analysis
Physics:
Rates