Science Framework

The science curriculum

Science at Key Stage 3 builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills that pupils have developed in Key Stage 2. Most pupils have reached at least level 4 of the National Curriculum for science by the end of Year 6. Year 7 teachers need to be familiar with the Key Stage 2 programme of study and should assume that incoming pupils have already made progress. Appendix 1 outlines what most Year 6 pupils should have learned.

This Framework sets out yearly teaching objectives for Years 7, 8 and 9. These lie at the heart of what pupils should understand, know and be able to do, so teaching plans and formative assessments should centre on them. The yearly objectives cover both scientific enquiry and the key scientific ideas that underpin the programme of study at Key Stage 3.