The National Curriculum in England provides a statutory framework for education in state-maintained schools, outlining the core knowledge and skills pupils are
England, United Kingdom
The National Curriculum in England provides a statutory framework for education in state-maintained schools, outlining the core knowledge and skills pupils are expected to acquire between ages 11 and 14. Key Stage 3 serves as the bridge between primary education and GCSE preparation, focusing on a broad and balanced range of subjects.
The National Curriculum in England provides a statutory framework for education in state-maintained schools, outlining the core knowledge and skills pupils are expected to acquire between ages 11 and 14. Key Stage 3 serves as the bridge between primary education and GCSE preparation, focusing on a broad and balanced range of subjects.
Year Adopted: 2014
Year 7, Year 8, Year 9
Reading a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, including whole books, short stories, poems and plays with a wide coverage of genres, historical periods, forms and authors.
Key skills: Genre analysis, Literary breadthReading high-quality works from English literature, including at least one play by Shakespeare.
Key skills: Shakespeare study, Canonical literatureReading works from among the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
Key skills: Early Modern literature, Historical contextReading works from among the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
Key skills: Modern literature, Historical contextReading poetry since 1789, including Romantic poetry.
Key skills: Romantic poetry, Poetic analysisReading authors who have been published since 1914.
Key skills: Contemporary literature, Modern authorsReading seminal world literature.
Key skills: World literature, Cultural contextChoosing and reading books independently for challenge, interest and enjoyment.
Key skills: Independent reading, Text selectionRe-reading books encountered earlier to increase familiarity with them and provide a basis for making comparisons.
Key skills: Comparative reading, Textual familiarityLearning new vocabulary, relating it confidently to known vocabulary and understanding it with the help of context and dictionaries.
Key skills: Vocabulary acquisition, Contextual analysisMaking inferences and referring to evidence in the text.
Key skills: Inference, Evidence citationKnowing the purpose, audience for and context of the writing and drawing on this knowledge to support comprehension.
Key skills: Contextual comprehension, Audience awarenessChecking their understanding to make sure that what they have read makes sense.
Key skills: Self-monitoring, Comprehension checkKnowing how language, including figurative language, vocabulary choice, grammar, text structure and organisational features, presents meaning.
Key skills: Stylistic analysis, Structural analysisRecognising a range of poetic conventions and understanding how these have been used.
Key skills: Poetic analysis, Convention recognitionStudying setting, plot, and characterisation, and the effects of these.
Key skills: Narrative analysis, Character studyUnderstanding how the work of dramatists is communicated through performance and how alternative staging allows for different interpretations.
Key skills: Dramatic interpretation, Performance analysisMaking critical comparisons across texts.
Key skills: Comparative analysis, Critical thinkingWriting well-structured formal expository and narrative essays.
Key skills: Essay writing, Formal structureWriting stories, scripts, poetry and other forms of writing.
Key skills: Creative writing, Multi-modal writingSummarising and organising material, and supporting ideas and arguments with any necessary factual detail.
Key skills: Information synthesis, ArgumentationApplying their growing knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and text structure to their writing and selecting the appropriate form.
Key skills: Linguistic application, Form selectionDrawing on knowledge of literary and rhetorical devices from their reading and listening to enhance the impact of their writing.
Key skills: Rhetorical devices, Literary techniquesConsidering how their writing reflects the audiences and purposes for which it was intended.
Key skills: Audience adaptation, Purpose alignmentAmending the vocabulary, grammar and structure of their writing to improve its effectiveness.
Key skills: Editing, RevisionPaying attention to accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Key skills: Technical accuracy, OrthographyExtending and applying grammatical knowledge to analyse more complex texts.
Key skills: Grammatical analysis, Textual complexityStudying the effectiveness and impact of the grammatical features of the texts they read.
Key skills: Linguistic impact, Feature analysisDrawing on new vocabulary and grammatical constructions from reading and listening, and using these consciously in writing and speech.
Key skills: Vocabulary usage, Stylistic choiceKnowing and understanding the differences between spoken and written language, including formal and informal registers.
Key skills: Register awareness, Dialect studyUsing Standard English confidently in their own writing and speech.
Key skills: Standard English, Formal communicationDiscussing reading, writing and spoken language with precise and confident use of linguistic and literary terminology.
Key skills: Metalanguage, Literary terminologyUsing Standard English confidently in a range of formal and informal contexts, including classroom discussion.
Key skills: Oral fluency, Register controlGiving short speeches and presentations, expressing their own ideas and keeping to the point.
Key skills: Public speaking, Idea expressionParticipating in formal debates and structured discussions, summarising and/or building on what has been said.
Key skills: Collaborative discussion, Debate skillsImprovising, rehearsing and performing play scripts and poetry to generate languages and discuss language use and meaning.
Key skills: Performance, Dramatic expressionRead a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, including whole books, short stories, poems and plays with wide coverage of genres and historical periods.
Key skills: Genre analysis, Historical contextChoose and read books independently for challenge, interest and enjoyment.
Key skills: Independent reading, Text selectionRe-read books encountered earlier to increase familiarity with them and provide a basis for making comparisons.
Key skills: Comparative analysis, Textual familiarityUnderstand increasingly challenging texts through learning new vocabulary and relating it to known vocabulary.
Key skills: Vocabulary acquisition, Contextual meaningUnderstand increasingly challenging texts through making inferences and referring to evidence in the text.
Key skills: Inference, Evidence citationUnderstand increasingly challenging texts through knowing the purpose, audience for and context of the writing.
Key skills: Audience awareness, Contextual analysisUnderstand increasingly challenging texts through checking their understanding to make sure that what they have read makes sense.
Key skills: Comprehension monitoring, Self-correctionRead critically through knowing how language, including figurative language, vocabulary choice, grammar, and text structure presents meaning.
Key skills: Literary analysis, Structural analysisRead critically through recognising a range of poetic conventions and understanding how these have been used.
Key skills: Poetic analysis, Convention identificationRead critically through studying setting, plot, and characterisation, and the effects of these.
Key skills: Character analysis, Narrative techniqueUnderstand how the work of dramatists is communicated through performance and how alternative staging allows for different interpretations.
Key skills: Dramatic interpretation, Performance analysisRead critically through making critical comparisons across texts.
Key skills: Cross-textual comparison, Critical thinkingRead critically through studying a range of authors, including at least two authors in depth each year.
Key skills: Author study, In-depth analysisWrite well-structured formal expository and narrative essays.
Key skills: Essay structuring, Expository writingWrite stories, scripts, poetry and other forms of creative writing.
Key skills: Creative writing, Genre flexibilityWrite notes and polished scripts for talks and presentations.
Key skills: Note-taking, Script writingWrite a range of other narrative and non-narrative texts, including arguments, and personal and formal letters.
Key skills: Persuasive writing, Formal correspondenceSummarise and synthesise content from more than one source.
Key skills: Summarisation, SynthesisAmend the vocabulary, grammar and structure of writing to improve its coherency and overall effectiveness.
Key skills: Editing, Structural improvementPay attention to accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Key skills: Proofreading, SPAG accuracyPlan, draft, edit and proof-read by considering how writing reflects the audiences and purposes for which it was intended.
Key skills: Writing process, Audience adaptationExtend and apply grammatical knowledge set out in the KS1 and KS2 programmes of study.
Key skills: Grammar application, Linguistic progressionStudy the effectiveness and impact of the grammatical features of the texts they read.
Key skills: Grammatical analysis, Impact evaluationDraw on new vocabulary and grammatical constructions from reading and listening to achieve particular effects in writing and speech.
Key skills: Vocabulary usage, Stylistic effectKnow the differences between spoken and written language, including formal and informal registers and Standard English.
Key skills: Register awareness, Standard EnglishDiscuss reading, writing and spoken language with precise and confident use of linguistic and literary terminology.
Key skills: Terminology usage, Metalinguistic discussionUse Standard English confidently in a range of formal and informal contexts, including classroom discussion.
Key skills: Oral fluency, Standard EnglishGive short speeches and presentations, expressing their own ideas and keeping to the point.
Key skills: Public speaking, Idea expressionParticipate in formal debates and structured discussions, summarising and/or building on what has been said.
Key skills: Debating, Active listeningImprovise, rehearse and perform play scripts and poetry to generate language and discuss meaning.
Key skills: Performance, Oral interpretationRead a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, including whole books, short stories, poems and plays with a wide coverage of genres, historical periods, forms and authors.
Key skills: Genre analysis, Historical contextRead high-quality works from English literature (pre-1914 and contemporary), including prose, poetry, drama, Shakespeare (two plays), and seminal world literature.
Key skills: Literary heritage, Shakespeare studyChoose and read books independently for challenge, interest and enjoyment.
Key skills: Independent reading, Reading for pleasureRe-read books encountered earlier to increase familiarity with them and provide a basis for making comparisons.
Key skills: Comparative reading, Textual familiarityLearn new vocabulary, relating it explicitly to known vocabulary and understanding it with the help of context and dictionaries.
Key skills: Vocabulary acquisition, Dictionary skillsMake inferences and refer to evidence in the text.
Key skills: Inference, Evidence citationKnow the purpose, audience and context of the writing and draw on this knowledge to support comprehension.
Key skills: Contextual analysis, ComprehensionCheck understanding to make sure that what has been read makes sense.
Key skills: Self-monitoring, Comprehension checkKnow how language, including figurative language, vocabulary choice, grammar, text structure and organisational features, presents meaning.
Key skills: Language analysis, Text structureRecognise a range of poetic conventions and understand how these have been used.
Key skills: Poetic devices, Convention recognitionStudy setting, plot, and characterisation, and the effects of these.
Key skills: Narrative analysis, Character studyUnderstand how the work of dramatists is communicated through performance and how alternative staging allows for different interpretations.
Key skills: Dramatic interpretation, Performance analysisMake critical comparisons across texts.
Key skills: Critical comparison, IntertextualityStudy a range of non-fiction texts and literary non-fiction, such as reviews, reportage, journals and texts on ethical, philosophical and moral issues.
Key skills: Non-fiction analysis, Thematic studyWrite for a wide range of purposes and audiences, including formal essays, stories, scripts, poetry, notes, and personal/formal letters.
Key skills: Purposeful writing, Audience adaptationSummarise and organise material, and support ideas and arguments with any necessary factual detail.
Key skills: Summarisation, Argument supportApply growing knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and text structure to writing and select the appropriate form.
Key skills: Structural application, Form selectionDraw on knowledge of literary and rhetorical devices from reading and listening to enhance the impact of writing.
Key skills: Rhetorical devices, Stylistic impactPlan, draft, edit and proof-read by considering how writing reflects the intended audiences and purposes.
Key skills: Planning, DraftingAmend the vocabulary, grammar and structure of writing to improve its coherence and overall effectiveness.
Key skills: Editing, ProofreadingPay attention to accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling; applying patterns and rules from Key Stage 1 and 2 appendices.
Key skills: SPAG, AccuracyConsolidate and build on knowledge of grammar and vocabulary by extending and applying grammatical knowledge to analyse challenging texts.
Key skills: Grammar analysis, Textual applicationStudy the effectiveness and impact of the grammatical features of the texts read.
Key skills: Grammatical impact, Critical analysisDraw on new vocabulary and grammatical constructions from reading and listening, using these consciously in writing and speech.
Key skills: Vocabulary usage, Grammatical varietyKnow and understand the differences between spoken and written language, including formal/informal registers and Standard English.
Key skills: Register awareness, Standard EnglishUse Standard English confidently in own writing and speech.
Key skills: Standard English, Formal communicationDiscuss reading, writing and spoken language with precise and confident use of linguistic and literary terminology.
Key skills: Terminology usage, Metalinguistic discussionSpeak confidently and effectively, using Standard English in a range of formal and informal contexts, including classroom discussion.
Key skills: Confident speaking, Standard EnglishGive short speeches and presentations, expressing own ideas and keeping to the point.
Key skills: Presentation skills, Public speakingParticipate in formal debates and structured discussions, summarising and/or building on what has been said.
Key skills: Debating, Active listeningImprovise, rehearse and perform play scripts and poetry to generate language and discuss meaning using intonation, tone, and action.
Key skills: Performance, Oral interpretationConsolidate numerical and mathematical capability from key stage 2 and extend understanding of the number system to include decimals, fractions, powers and roots.
Key skills: Number system, FluencySelect and use appropriate calculation strategies to solve increasingly complex problems.
Key skills: Calculation strategies, Problem solvingUse and interpret mathematical notation, including algebraic notation and symbols for ordering and equivalence.
Key skills: Mathematical notation, Algebraic symbolsMove freely between different numerical, algebraic, graphical and diagrammatic representations.
Key skills: Representations, Mathematical fluencyUse language and properties precisely to analyse numbers, algebraic expressions, 2-D and 3-D shapes, probability and statistics.
Key skills: Mathematical language, AnalysisExtend understanding of the number system; make connections between number relationships, and their algebraic and graphical representations.
Key skills: Number relationships, ReasoningExtend and formalise knowledge of ratio and proportion in working with measures and geometry, and in formulating proportional relations algebraically.
Key skills: Ratio and proportion, Algebraic formulationIdentify variables and numerical relationships or geometric properties and express these using algebraic symbols; and use these to formulate and solve equations.
Key skills: Algebraic symbols, Equation solvingMake and test conjectures about patterns and relationships; look for proofs or counter-examples.
Key skills: Conjectures, Mathematical proofBegin to reason deductively in geometry, number and algebra, including using geometrical constructions.
Key skills: Deductive reasoning, Geometrical constructionsInterpret when the structure of a numerical problem requires additive, multiplicative or proportional reasoning.
Key skills: Numerical reasoning, Problem interpretationExplore what can and cannot be inferred in statistical and probabilistic settings, and begin to express their arguments formally.
Key skills: Statistical inference, Formal argumentDevelop mathematical knowledge, in part through solving problems and evaluating the outcomes, including multi-step problems.
Key skills: Problem solving, EvaluationDevelop use of formal mathematical knowledge to interpret and solve problems, including in financial mathematics.
Key skills: Financial mathematics, Problem solvingBegin to model situations mathematically and express the results using a range of formal mathematical representations.
Key skills: Mathematical modelling, RepresentationsSelect appropriate concepts, methods and techniques to apply to unfamiliar and non-routine problems.
Key skills: Problem solving, Method selectionUnderstand and use place value for decimals, measures and integers of any size.
Key skills: Place value, DecimalsOrder positive and negative integers, decimals and fractions; use the number line as a model for ordering; use symbols =, ≠, <, >, ≤, ≥.
Key skills: Ordering numbers, Inequality symbolsUse the concepts and vocabulary of prime numbers, factors, multiples, common factors, common multiples, HCF, LCM, and prime factorisation.
Key skills: Number properties, Prime factorisationApply the four operations, including formal written methods, to integers, decimals and fractions, all both positive and negative.
Key skills: Arithmetic, Written methodsUse conventional notation for the priority of operations, including brackets, powers, roots and reciprocals.
Key skills: Order of operations, BIDMASRecognise and use relationships between operations including inverse operations.
Key skills: Inverse operations, Number relationshipsUse integer powers and associated real roots; recognise powers of 2, 3, 4, 5 and distinguish between exact roots and decimal approximations.
Key skills: Powers and roots, ExponentsInterpret and compare numbers in standard form A x 10^n where 1 ≤ A < 10 and n is an integer.
Key skills: Standard form, Scientific notationWork interchangeably with terminating decimals and their corresponding fractions.
Key skills: Fractions, DecimalsDefine percentage as ‘number of parts per hundred’, interpret percentages and percentage changes, and work with percentages greater than 100%.
Key skills: Percentages, Percentage changeInterpret fractions and percentages as operators.
Key skills: Fractions, PercentagesUse standard units of mass, length, time, money and other measures, including with decimal quantities.
Key skills: Standard units, MeasurementRound numbers and measures to an appropriate degree of accuracy [for example, to a number of decimal places or significant figures].
Key skills: Rounding, AccuracyUse approximation through rounding to estimate answers and calculate possible resulting errors expressed using inequality notation.
Key skills: Estimation, Error intervalsUse a calculator and other technologies to calculate results accurately and then interpret them appropriately.
Key skills: Calculator skills, InterpretationAppreciate the infinite nature of the set of integers, real numbers and rational numbers.
Key skills: Number sets, InfinityUse and interpret algebraic notation, including: ab, 3y, a^2, a^3, a^2b, a/b, coefficients as fractions, and brackets.
Key skills: Algebraic notation, SimplificationSubstitute numerical values into formulae and expressions, including scientific formulae.
Key skills: Substitution, FormulaeUnderstand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, inequalities, terms and factors.
Key skills: Algebraic vocabulary, ExpressionsSimplify and manipulate algebraic expressions by collecting like terms, multiplying over brackets, taking out common factors, and expanding binomials.
Key skills: Simplification, ExpansionUnderstand and use standard mathematical formulae; rearrange formulae to change the subject.
Key skills: Formulae, RearrangingModel situations or procedures by translating them into algebraic expressions or formulae and by using algebraic methods.
Key skills: Modelling, Algebraic methodsUse algebraic methods to solve linear equations in one variable (including those with the unknown on both sides and with brackets).
Key skills: Solving equations, Linear equationsWork with coordinates in all four quadrants.
Key skills: Coordinates, QuadrantsRecognise, sketch and produce graphs of linear and quadratic functions of one variable with appropriate scaling.
Key skills: Graphing, Linear functionsInterpret mathematical relationships both algebraically and graphically.
Key skills: Interpretation, GraphsReduce a linear equation in two variables to y = mx + c; calculate and interpret gradients and intercepts.
Key skills: Linear equations, GradientsUse linear and quadratic graphs to estimate values and find approximate solutions of simultaneous linear equations.
Key skills: Graphical solutions, EstimationFind approximate solutions to contextual problems from given graphs of a variety of functions.
Key skills: Problem solving, GraphsGenerate terms of a sequence from either a term-to-term or a position-to-term rule.
Key skills: Sequences, RulesRecognise arithmetic progressions and find the nth term.
Key skills: Arithmetic sequences, nth termRecognise geometric progressions and other sequences.
Key skills: Geometric sequences, Pattern recognitionChange freely between related standard units [for example time, length, area, volume/capacity, mass].
Key skills: Unit conversion, MeasurementUse scale factors, scale diagrams and maps.
Key skills: Scale factors, MapsExpress one quantity as a fraction of another, where the fraction is less than 1 and greater than 1.
Key skills: Fractions, ComparisonUse ratio notation, including reduction to simplest form.
Key skills: Ratio notation, SimplificationDivide a given quantity into two parts in a given ratio; express the division of a quantity into two parts as a ratio.
Key skills: Sharing in ratio, DivisionUnderstand that a multiplicative relationship between two quantities can be expressed as a ratio or a fraction.
Key skills: Multiplicative relationships, RatiosRelate the language of ratios and the associated calculations to the arithmetic of fractions and to linear functions.
Key skills: Ratios, FractionsSolve problems involving percentage change, including: increase, decrease, original value problems and simple interest.
Key skills: Percentage change, Financial mathsSolve problems involving direct and inverse proportion, including graphical and algebraic representations.
Key skills: Proportion, Direct and inverseUse compound units such as speed, unit pricing and density to solve problems.
Key skills: Compound units, Problem solvingDerive and apply formulae to calculate perimeter and area of triangles, parallelograms, trapezia, and volume of cuboids and other prisms.
Key skills: Area and perimeter, VolumeCalculate and solve problems involving: perimeters of 2-D shapes (including circles), areas of circles and composite shapes.
Key skills: Circles, Composite shapesDraw and measure line segments and angles in geometric figures, including interpreting scale drawings.
Key skills: Drawing, MeasurementDerive and use standard ruler and compass constructions; recognise and use the perpendicular distance from a point to a line.
Key skills: Constructions, LociDescribe, sketch and draw using conventional terms: points, lines, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, right angles, and polygons.
Key skills: Geometric terms, SketchingUse standard conventions for labelling sides and angles of triangle ABC, and know the criteria for congruence of triangles.
Key skills: Triangle notation, CongruenceDerive and illustrate properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and other plane figures using appropriate language.
Key skills: Geometric properties, Plane figuresIdentify properties of, and describe the results of, translations, rotations and reflections applied to given figures.
Key skills: Transformations, SymmetryIdentify and construct congruent triangles, and construct similar shapes by enlargement, with and without coordinate grids.
Key skills: Congruence, SimilarityApply the properties of angles at a point, angles at a point on a straight line, and vertically opposite angles.
Key skills: Angle facts, GeometryUnderstand and use the relationship between parallel lines and alternate and corresponding angles.
Key skills: Parallel lines, AnglesDerive and use the sum of angles in a triangle and use it to deduce the angle sum in any polygon.
Key skills: Angle sum, PolygonsApply angle facts, triangle congruence, similarity and properties of quadrilaterals to derive results, including Pythagoras’ Theorem.
Key skills: Geometric proof, PythagorasUse Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometric ratios in similar triangles to solve problems involving right-angled triangles.
Key skills: Pythagoras, TrigonometryUse the properties of faces, surfaces, edges and vertices of 3-D shapes to solve problems.
Key skills: 3-D shapes, PropertiesInterpret mathematical relationships both algebraically and geometrically.
Key skills: Interpretation, GeometryRecord, describe and analyse the frequency of outcomes of simple probability experiments using the 0-1 probability scale.
Key skills: Probability scale, ExperimentsUnderstand that the probabilities of all possible outcomes sum to 1.
Key skills: Probability sum, OutcomesEnumerate sets and unions/intersections of sets systematically, using tables, grids and Venn diagrams.
Key skills: Sets, Venn diagramsGenerate theoretical sample spaces for single and combined events and use these to calculate theoretical probabilities.
Key skills: Sample spaces, Theoretical probabilityDescribe, interpret and compare observed distributions through graphical representation and measures of central tendency and spread.
Key skills: Averages, Data distributionConstruct and interpret appropriate tables, charts, and diagrams for categorical and numerical data.
Key skills: Data representation, ChartsDescribe simple mathematical relationships between two variables (bivariate data) and illustrate using scatter graphs.
Key skills: Bivariate data, Scatter graphsUnderstand and use place value for decimals, measures and integers of any size.
Key skills: Place value, Decimal notationOrder positive and negative integers, decimals and fractions; use the number line as a model for ordering real numbers; use inequality symbols.
Key skills: Ordering numbers, Inequality symbolsUse the four operations, including formal written methods, applied to integers, decimals, proper and improper fractions, and mixed numbers.
Key skills: Arithmetic operations, Fraction arithmeticUse conventional notation for the priority of operations, including brackets, powers, roots and reciprocals.
Key skills: Order of operations, Mathematical notationRecognise and use relationships between operations including inverse operations.
Key skills: Inverse operations, Number relationshipsUse integer powers and associated real roots; recognise powers of 2, 3, 4, 5 and distinguish between exact roots and decimal approximations.
Key skills: Powers and roots, EstimationInterpret and compare numbers in standard form A x 10^n where 1 ≤ A < 10 and n is an integer.
Key skills: Standard form, Scientific notationWork interchangeably with terminating decimals and their corresponding fractions.
Key skills: Fraction-decimal conversion, EquivalenceDefine percentage as ‘number of parts per hundred’, interpret percentage changes, and express one quantity as a percentage of another.
Key skills: Percentage calculation, Percentage changeInterpret fractions and percentages as operators.
Key skills: Operators, Proportional reasoningUse standard units of mass, length, time, money and other measures, including with decimal quantities.
Key skills: Measurement units, Decimal measuresRound numbers and measures to an appropriate degree of accuracy, such as decimal places or significant figures.
Key skills: Rounding, Significant figuresUse approximation through rounding to estimate answers and calculate possible resulting errors using inequality notation.
Key skills: Estimation, Error intervalsUse a calculator and other technologies to calculate results accurately and then interpret them appropriately.
Key skills: Calculator skills, Data interpretationAppreciate the infinite nature of the sets of integers, real and rational numbers.
Key skills: Number sets, Mathematical theoryUse and interpret algebraic notation, including coefficients, powers, brackets, and conventions for multiplication and division.
Key skills: Algebraic notation, SimplificationSubstitute numerical values into formulae and expressions, including scientific formulae.
Key skills: Substitution, Formula evaluationUnderstand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, inequalities, terms and factors.
Key skills: Algebraic vocabulary, TerminologySimplify and manipulate algebraic expressions by collecting like terms, expanding brackets, and taking out common factors.
Key skills: Expression manipulation, FactorisingUnderstand and use standard mathematical formulae; rearrange formulae to change the subject.
Key skills: Rearranging formulae, Subject of formulaModel situations or procedures by translating them into algebraic expressions or formulae and by using graphs.
Key skills: Mathematical modelling, Algebraic translationUse algebraic methods to solve linear equations in one variable, including those with the unknown on both sides.
Key skills: Solving equations, Linear algebraRecognise, sketch and produce graphs of linear and quadratic functions of one variable with appropriate scaling.
Key skills: Graph sketching, Linear and quadratic functionsInterpret mathematical relationships both algebraically and graphically.
Key skills: Graphical interpretation, Relationship analysisReduce a given linear equation to the standard form y = mx + c; calculate and interpret gradients and intercepts.
Key skills: Linear graphs, Gradient and interceptUse linear and quadratic graphs to estimate values and find approximate solutions of simultaneous linear equations.
Key skills: Graphical solutions, Simultaneous equationsFind approximate solutions to contextual problems from given graphs, including piece-wise linear, exponential and reciprocal graphs.
Key skills: Contextual graphing, Function typesGenerate terms of a sequence from either a term-to-term or a position-to-term rule.
Key skills: Sequences, Generating termsRecognise arithmetic progressions and find the nth term.
Key skills: Arithmetic progressions, Nth termRecognise geometric progressions and other sequences.
Key skills: Geometric sequences, Pattern recognitionChange freely between related standard units, such as time, length, area, volume/capacity, and mass.
Key skills: Unit conversion, MeasurementUse scale factors, scale diagrams and maps.
Key skills: Scale factors, Map readingExpress one quantity as a fraction of another, where the fraction is less than 1 and greater than 1.
Key skills: Fractional comparison, RatioUse ratio notation, including reduction to simplest form.
Key skills: Ratio notation, Simplifying ratiosDivide a given quantity into two parts in a given ratio; express the division of a quantity as a ratio.
Key skills: Sharing in ratios, Proportional divisionUnderstand that a multiplicative relationship between two quantities can be expressed as a ratio or a fraction.
Key skills: Multiplicative reasoning, Ratio-fraction linkRelate the language of ratios and associated calculations to the arithmetic of fractions and to linear functions.
Key skills: Ratio arithmetic, Linear functionsSolve problems involving percentage change, including increase, decrease, original value, and simple interest.
Key skills: Percentage change, Financial mathsSolve problems involving direct and inverse proportion, including graphical and algebraic representations.
Key skills: Direct proportion, Inverse proportionUse compound units such as speed, unit pricing and density to solve problems.
Key skills: Compound units, Speed and densityDerive and apply formulae for perimeter and area of triangles, parallelograms, trapezia, and volume of cuboids and prisms.
Key skills: Area formulae, Volume calculationCalculate and solve problems involving perimeters of 2-D shapes, areas of circles and composite shapes.
Key skills: Circle geometry, Composite areaDraw and measure line segments and angles in geometric figures, including interpreting scale drawings.
Key skills: Geometric drawing, Measuring anglesDerive and use standard ruler and compass constructions; recognise perpendicular distance as the shortest distance.
Key skills: Geometric construction, LociDescribe and sketch points, lines, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, right angles, and symmetric polygons.
Key skills: Geometric sketching, SymmetryUse the standard conventions for labelling sides and angles.
Key skills: Geometric notation, LabellingIllustrate, name and select parts of circles, including radius, diameter, circumference, tangent, arc, sector and segment.
Key skills: Circle parts, TerminologyUse properties of 3-D shapes (cubes, cuboids, prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones, spheres) to solve problems.
Key skills: 3-D properties, Spatial reasoningApply angle facts, triangle congruence, similarity and properties of quadrilaterals to derive results and simple proofs.
Key skills: Angle facts, Geometric proofIdentify properties of, and describe the results of, translations, rotations and reflections applied to given figures.
Key skills: Transformations, SymmetryIdentify and construct congruent triangles, and construct similar shapes by enlargement.
Key skills: Congruence, SimilarityApply the properties of angles at a point, on a straight line, and vertically opposite angles.
Key skills: Angle properties, DeductionUnderstand and use the relationship between parallel lines and alternate and corresponding angles.
Key skills: Parallel lines, Angle relationshipsDerive and use the sum of angles in a triangle and deduce the angle sum in any polygon.
Key skills: Polygon angles, Angle sumUse Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometric ratios in similar triangles to solve problems involving right-angled triangles.
Key skills: Pythagoras' Theorem, TrigonometryRecord, describe and analyse the frequency of outcomes of probability experiments using tables and frequency trees.
Key skills: Frequency analysis, Probability experimentsApply ideas of randomness, fairness and equally likely events to calculate expected outcomes.
Key skills: Expected outcomes, FairnessRelate relative expected frequencies to theoretical probability, using the 0-1 probability scale.
Key skills: Theoretical probability, Probability scaleUnderstand that the probabilities of all possible outcomes sum to 1.
Key skills: Sum of probabilities, Exhaustive eventsEnumerate sets and unions/intersections of sets systematically, using tables, grids and Venn diagrams.
Key skills: Set theory, Venn diagramsGenerate theoretical sample spaces for single and combined events with equally likely, mutually exclusive outcomes.
Key skills: Sample spaces, Combined eventsDescribe and compare distributions of a single variable using graphical representations and measures of central tendency and spread.
Key skills: Averages, Data spreadConstruct and interpret tables, charts, and diagrams, including frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts, and pictograms.
Key skills: Data visualization, Chart constructionDescribe simple mathematical relationships between two variables (bivariate data) and illustrate using scatter graphs.
Key skills: Bivariate data, Scatter graphsConsolidate numerical and mathematical capability from key stage 2 and extend understanding of the number system and place value to include decimals, fractions, powers and roots.
Key skills: Number systems, Place valueSelect and use appropriate calculation strategies to solve increasingly complex problems.
Key skills: Problem solving, Calculation strategiesUse the four operations, including formal written methods, applied to integers, decimals, proper and improper fractions, and mixed numbers, all both positive and negative.
Key skills: Arithmetic operations, Fraction arithmeticUse conventional notation for the priority of operations, including brackets, powers, roots and reciprocals.
Key skills: Order of operations, Mathematical notationRecognise and use relationships between operations including inverse operations.
Key skills: Inverse operations, Operational relationshipsUse integer powers and associated real roots (square, cube and higher), recognise powers of 2, 3, 4, 5 and distinguish between exact representations of roots and their decimal approximations.
Key skills: Powers and roots, Exact valuesInterpret and compare numbers in standard form A x 10^n, 1 ≤ A < 10, where n is a positive or negative integer or zero.
Key skills: Standard form, Scientific notationWork interchangeably with terminating decimals and their corresponding fractions (such as 3.5 and 7/2 or 0.375 and 3/8).
Key skills: Decimals and fractions, Numerical conversionDefine percentage as ‘number of parts per hundred’, interpret percentages and percentage changes as a fraction or a decimal, interpret these multiplicatively, express one quantity as a percentage of another.
Key skills: Percentages, Proportional reasoningUse standard units of mass, length, time, money and other measures, including with decimal quantities.
Key skills: Standard units, MeasurementRound numbers and measures to an appropriate degree of accuracy [for example, to a number of decimal places or significant figures].
Key skills: Rounding, Significant figuresUse approximation through rounding to estimate answers and calculate possible resulting errors expressed using inequality notation a < x ≤ b.
Key skills: Estimation, Error intervalsUse a calculator and other technologies to calculate results accurately and then interpret them appropriately.
Key skills: Calculator use, Data interpretationUse and interpret algebraic notation, including: ab in place of a × b, 3y in place of y + y + y and 3 × y, a^2 in place of a × a, a^3 in place of a × a × a.
Key skills: Algebraic notation, SimplificationSubstitute numerical values into formulae and expressions, including scientific formulae.
Key skills: Substitution, FormulaeUnderstand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, inequalities, terms and factors.
Key skills: Algebraic vocabulary, Expressions and equationsSimplify and manipulate algebraic expressions to maintain equivalence by: collecting like terms, multiplying a single term over a bracket, taking out common factors, expanding products of two or more binomials.
Key skills: Expanding brackets, FactorisingUnderstand and use standard mathematical formulae; rearrange formulae to change the subject.
Key skills: Rearranging formulae, Subject of formulaModel situations or procedures by translating them into algebraic expressions or formulae and by using graphs.
Key skills: Algebraic modelling, Graphical representationUse algebraic methods to solve linear equations in one variable (including all forms that require rearrangement).
Key skills: Solving equations, Linear algebraWork with coordinates in all four quadrants.
Key skills: Coordinates, Cartesian planeRecognise, sketch and produce graphs of linear and quadratic functions of one variable with appropriate scaling, using equations in x and y and the Cartesian plane.
Key skills: Graphing functions, Linear and quadraticInterpret mathematical relationships both algebraically and graphically.
Key skills: Interpreting graphs, Algebraic relationshipsReduce a given linear equation in two variables to the standard form y = mx + c; calculate and interpret gradients and intercepts of graphs of such linear equations.
Key skills: Linear graphs, Gradient and interceptUse linear and quadratic graphs to estimate values of y for given values of x and vice versa and to find approximate solutions of simultaneous linear equations.
Key skills: Graphical estimation, Simultaneous equationsFind approximate solutions to contextual problems from given graphs of a variety of functions, including piece-wise linear, exponential and reciprocal graphs.
Key skills: Problem solving, Function graphsGenerate terms of a sequence from either a term-to-term or a position-to-term rule.
Key skills: Sequences, Term rulesRecognise arithmetic sequences and find the nth term.
Key skills: Arithmetic sequences, nth termRecognise geometric sequences and appreciate other sequences that arise.
Key skills: Geometric sequences, Pattern recognitionChange freely between related standard units [for example time, length, area, volume/capacity, mass].
Key skills: Unit conversion, MeasurementUse scale factors, scale diagrams and maps.
Key skills: Scale factors, Map readingExpress one quantity as a fraction of another, where the fraction is less than 1 and greater than 1.
Key skills: Fractions, Comparing quantitiesUse ratio notation, including reduction to simplest form.
Key skills: Ratio notation, Simplifying ratiosDivide a given quantity into two parts in a given part:part or part:whole ratio; express the division of a quantity into two parts as a ratio.
Key skills: Sharing in ratios, Part-whole relationshipsUnderstand that a multiplicative relationship between two quantities can be expressed as a ratio or a fraction.
Key skills: Multiplicative reasoning, Ratios and fractionsRelate the language of ratios and the associated calculations to the arithmetic of fractions and to linear functions.
Key skills: Ratio language, Linear functionsSolve problems involving percentage change, including: percentage increase, decrease and original value problems and simple interest in financial mathematics.
Key skills: Percentage change, Financial mathsSolve problems involving direct and inverse proportion, including graphical and algebraic representations.
Key skills: Direct proportion, Inverse proportionUse compound units such as speed, unit pricing and density to solve problems.
Key skills: Compound units, Speed and densityDerive and apply formulae to calculate and solve problems involving: perimeter and area of triangles, parallelograms, trapezia, volume of cuboids and other prisms.
Key skills: Area and perimeter, VolumeCalculate and solve problems involving: perimeters of 2-D shapes (including circles), areas of circles and composite shapes.
Key skills: Circle geometry, Composite areaDraw and measure line segments and angles in geometric figures, including interpreting scale drawings.
Key skills: Geometric drawing, Angle measurementDerive and use the standard ruler and compass constructions (perpendicular bisector of a line segment, constructing a perpendicular to a given line from/at a given point, bisecting a given angle).
Key skills: Geometric constructions, LociDescribe, sketch and draw using conventional terms and notations: points, lines, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, right angles, regular polygons, and other polygons that are reflectively and rotationally symmetric.
Key skills: Geometric notation, SymmetryUse the standard conventions for labelling the sides and angles of triangle ABC, and know and use the criteria for congruence of triangles.
Key skills: Triangle notation, CongruenceDerive and illustrate properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and other plane figures [for example, equal lengths and angles] using appropriate language and technologies.
Key skills: Geometric properties, Shape analysisIdentify properties of, and describe the results of, translations, rotations and reflections applied to given figures.
Key skills: Transformations, SymmetryIdentify and construct congruent and similar shapes, including on coordinate axes, by considering rotation, reflection, translation and enlargement.
Key skills: Similarity, EnlargementApply the properties of angles at a point, angles on a straight line, vertically opposite angles.
Key skills: Angle facts, Geometric reasoningUnderstand and use the relationship between parallel lines and alternate and corresponding angles.
Key skills: Parallel lines, Alternate anglesDerive and use the sum of angles in a triangle and use it to deduce the angle sum in any polygon, and to derive properties of regular polygons.
Key skills: Polygon angles, Interior anglesApply angle facts, triangle congruence, similarity and properties of quadrilaterals to derive results about angles and sides, including Pythagoras’ Theorem.
Key skills: Pythagoras' Theorem, Geometric proofUse Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometric ratios in right-angled triangles to solve problems involving missing sides and angles.
Key skills: Trigonometry, Right-angled trianglesUse the properties of faces, surfaces, edges and vertices of cubes, cuboids, prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones and spheres to solve problems in 3-D.
Key skills: 3-D shapes, Surface areaRecord, describe and analyse the frequency of outcomes of simple probability experiments involving randomness, fairness, equally and unequally likely outcomes, using appropriate language and the 0-1 probability scale.
Key skills: Probability scale, Experimental probabilityApply ideas of randomness, fairness and equally likely events to calculate expected outcomes of multiple future experiments.
Key skills: Expected outcomes, FairnessRelate relative expected frequencies to theoretical probability, using appropriate language and the 0-1 probability scale.
Key skills: Relative frequency, Theoretical probabilityApply the property that the probabilities of an exhaustive set of mutually exclusive outcomes sum to 1.
Key skills: Mutually exclusive events, Sum of probabilitiesEnumerate sets and unions/intersections of sets systematically, using tables, grids and Venn diagrams.
Key skills: Venn diagrams, Set theoryGenerate theoretical sample spaces for single and combined events with equally likely, mutually exclusive outcomes and use these to calculate theoretical probabilities.
Key skills: Sample spaces, Combined eventsDescribe, interpret and compare observed distributions of a single variable through: appropriate graphical representation and appropriate measures of central tendency and spread.
Key skills: Data distribution, Mean, mode, medianConstruct and interpret appropriate tables, charts, and diagrams, including frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts, and pictograms for categorical data, and vertical line charts for ungrouped and grouped numerical data.
Key skills: Data visualization, Frequency tablesDescribe simple mathematical relationships between two variables (bivariate data) in observational and experimental contexts and illustrate using scatter graphs.
Key skills: Bivariate data, Scatter graphsUnderstand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas, together with the importance of publishing results and peer review.
Key skills: Scientific method, Peer reviewUse appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety.
Key skills: Lab safety, FieldworkAsk questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience.
Key skills: Inquiry, ObservationMake predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding.
Key skills: Prediction, HypothesisPlan and carry out scientific enquiries, including identifying variables and using a range of methods for different types of enquiry.
Key skills: Planning, VariablesApply sampling techniques to ensure representative data collection.
Key skills: Sampling, Data collectionPresent observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs.
Key skills: Data presentation, GraphingInterpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions.
Key skills: Data interpretation, ConclusionPresent reasoned explanations, including explaining data in relation to predictions and hypotheses.
Key skills: Explanation, ReasoningEvaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources of random and systematic error.
Key skills: Evaluation, Error analysisIdentify further questions arising from their results.
Key skills: Inquiry, ReflectionUnderstand and use SI units and IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) chemical nomenclature.
Key skills: SI units, NomenclatureUse and derive algebraic forms of scientific laws and use symbols and units of measurement.
Key skills: Algebra, UnitsCells as the fundamental unit of living organisms, including the functions of cell components and differences between plant and animal cells.
Key skills: Cell biology, MicroscopyThe hierarchical organisation of multicellular organisms: from cells to tissues to organs to systems to the whole organism.
Key skills: Organisation, SystemsThe role of diffusion in the movement of materials in and between cells.
Key skills: Diffusion, TransportThe structure and functions of the human skeleton, including support, protection, movement and making blood cells.
Key skills: Skeletal system, AnatomyThe function of muscles and examples of antagonistic muscles.
Key skills: Muscular system, BiomechanicsThe tissues and organs of the human digestive system, including the role of enzymes and the importance of a balanced diet.
Key skills: Digestion, NutritionThe structure and functions of the gas exchange system in humans, including the mechanism of breathing.
Key skills: Respiration, Gas exchangeReproduction in humans, including the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems and the menstrual cycle.
Key skills: Reproduction, DevelopmentReproduction in plants, including flower structure, wind and insect pollination, fertilisation, seed and fruit formation and dispersal.
Key skills: Plant reproduction, PollinationThe interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem, including food webs and the accumulation of toxic materials.
Key skills: Ecology, Food websHeredity as the process by which genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next.
Key skills: Genetics, HeredityVariation between individuals within a species being continuous or discontinuous, and the role of genes and the environment.
Key skills: Variation, ClassificationThe properties of the different states of matter (solid, liquid and gas) in terms of the particle model.
Key skills: States of matter, Particle modelChanges of state in terms of the particle model.
Key skills: Phase changes, EnergyA simple model of the atom consisting of a central nucleus surrounded by electrons.
Key skills: Atomic structure, ModelsThe differences between atoms, elements and compounds.
Key skills: Elements, CompoundsThe concept of a pure substance and mixtures, including solutions and the use of techniques to separate mixtures.
Key skills: Separation, MixturesChemical reactions as the rearrangement of atoms, represented by word and symbol equations.
Key skills: Equations, ReactionsThe reactions of acids with metals and bases, and the pH scale for measuring acidity/alkalinity.
Key skills: Acids, BasesThe varying physical and chemical properties of different elements and the principles underpinning the Mendeleev Periodic Table.
Key skills: Periodic Table, TrendsThe composition of the Earth and the atmosphere, and the production of carbon dioxide by human activity and its impact on climate.
Key skills: Atmosphere, Climate changeCalculation of fuel uses and costs in the domestic context, and energy changes and transfers.
Key skills: Energy transfer, CalculationSpeed and the quantitative relationship between average speed, distance and time.
Key skills: Speed, MotionForces as pushes or pulls, arising from the interaction between two objects.
Key skills: Forces, InteractionThe properties of sound waves and light waves, including reflection, refraction and the speed of light.
Key skills: Waves, OpticsElectric current, potential difference and resistance in series and parallel circuits.
Key skills: Circuits, ElectricityThe seasons and the Earth’s tilt, day length at different times of year, and the light year as a unit of astronomical distance.
Key skills: Astronomy, SpaceUnderstand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas.
Key skills: Critical thinking, Scientific historyAppreciate the power and limitations of science and consider any ethical issues which may arise.
Key skills: Ethics, EvaluationAsk questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience.
Key skills: Inquiry, ObservationMake predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding.
Key skills: Hypothesizing, PredictionPlan an appropriate type of scientific enquiry to test predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables.
Key skills: Experimental design, Variable controlUse appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety.
Key skills: Lab safety, Practical skillsMake and record observations and measurements using a range of methods for different investigations; and evaluate the reliability of methods.
Key skills: Data collection, Reliability assessmentPresent observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs.
Key skills: Data presentation, GraphingInterpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using statistics, signals and trends.
Key skills: Data analysis, Pattern recognitionPresent reasoned explanations, including explaining data in relation to predictions and hypotheses.
Key skills: Scientific reasoning, Conclusion drawingEvaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources of random and systematic error.
Key skills: Error analysis, EvaluationUse and derive relevant scientific units and use appropriate mathematical expressions in equations.
Key skills: Unit conversion, Mathematical modelingCells as the fundamental unit of living organisms, including how the structures of different types of cell are related to their functions.
Key skills: Cell biology, MicroscopyThe hierarchical organisation of multicellular organisms: from cells to tissues to organs to systems to organisms.
Key skills: Biological systems, OrganizationThe role of diffusion in the movement of materials in and between cells.
Key skills: Diffusion, Transport mechanismsThe structure and functions of the human skeleton, including the role of muscles and joints.
Key skills: Anatomy, BiomechanicsThe content of a healthy human diet and the consequences of imbalances in the diet.
Key skills: Nutrition, Health scienceThe structure and functions of the human digestive system.
Key skills: Digestion, Organ functionThe structure and functions of the gas exchange system in humans.
Key skills: Respiration, Gas exchangeReproduction in humans (as an example of a mammal), including the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems.
Key skills: Reproduction, DevelopmentThe reactants in, and products of, photosynthesis, and a word summary for photosynthesis.
Key skills: Photosynthesis, Chemical equationsAerobic and anaerobic respiration in living organisms, including the breakdown of organic molecules to enable all the other chemical processes.
Key skills: Cellular respiration, MetabolismThe interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem, including food webs and insect pollination.
Key skills: Ecology, Food websHeredity as the process by which genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next.
Key skills: Genetics, InheritanceA simple model of chromosomes, genes and DNA in heredity, including the part played by Watson, Crick, Wilkins and Franklin.
Key skills: DNA structure, Scientific historyThe variation between individuals within a species being continuous or discontinuous.
Key skills: Variation, Data classificationChanges in the environment which may leave individuals within a species, and some entire species, less well adapted to compete and survive.
Key skills: Evolution, Natural selectionThe properties of the different states of matter (solid, liquid and gas) in terms of the particle model.
Key skills: States of matter, Particle theoryA simple (Dalton) atomic model; chemical symbols and formulae for elements and compounds.
Key skills: Atomic structure, Chemical notationThe concept of a pure substance; mixtures, including dissolving; and techniques for separating mixtures.
Key skills: Separation techniques, MixturesChemical reactions as the rearrangement of atoms and represented by word and symbol equations.
Key skills: Reaction modeling, Equation balancingThe pH scale for measuring acidity/alkalinity; and indicators.
Key skills: pH measurement, Acids and basesReactions of acids with metals to produce a salt plus hydrogen and reactions of acids with alkalis to produce a salt plus water.
Key skills: Neutralization, Chemical propertiesThe displacement reactions of metals and the extraction of some metals from their ores.
Key skills: Reactivity series, Metal extractionExothermic and endothermic chemical reactions (qualitative).
Key skills: Energy transfer, Thermal changesThe varying physical and chemical properties of different elements; the principles underpinning the Mendeleev periodic table.
Key skills: Periodic Table, Element propertiesThe composition of the Earth and the structure of the Earth; the rock cycle and the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
Key skills: Geology, Rock cycleThe composition of the atmosphere and the production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the impact on climate.
Key skills: Atmospheric science, Climate changeCalculation of fuel uses and costs in the domestic context; energy changes and transfers; conservation of energy.
Key skills: Energy calculation, Conservation lawsSpeed and the quantitative relationship between average speed, distance and time.
Key skills: Kinematics, Speed calculationForces as pushes or pulls, arising from the interaction between two objects; forces measured in Newtons.
Key skills: Force measurement, Newtonian physicsPressure in fluids and its effects; atmospheric pressure.
Key skills: Fluid dynamics, PressureFrequencies of sound waves, measured in Hertz (Hz); echoes, reflection and absorption of sound.
Key skills: Acoustics, Wave propertiesThe transmission of light through materials: absorption, diffuse scattering and specular reflection at a surface.
Key skills: Optics, Light behaviorElectric current, measured in Amperes; potential difference, measured in Volts; resistance, measured in Ohms.
Key skills: Circuitry, Electrical unitsMagnetic poles, attraction and repulsion; magnetic fields and the use of electromagnets.
Key skills: Magnetism, ElectromagnetsRelating models of arrangements and motions of molecules in solid, liquid and gas phases to their densities.
Key skills: Density, Molecular motionGravity force, weight; the solar system; the seasons and the Earth’s tilt.
Key skills: Astronomy, Gravitational forceUnderstand that science is about working objectively, modifying explanations to take account of new evidence and ideas and subjecting results to peer review.
Key skills: Scientific objectivity, Peer reviewDecide on the appropriate type of scientific enquiry to undertake to answer their own questions and develop a deeper understanding of factors to be taken into account.
Key skills: Enquiry selection, Variable controlAsk questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience.
Key skills: Questioning, Hypothesis developmentMake predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding.
Key skills: Prediction, Scientific reasoningPlan at least one type of scientific enquiry to test those predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables.
Key skills: Experimental design, Variable identificationUse appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety.
Key skills: Lab techniques, Health and safetyMake and record observations and measurements using a range of methods for different investigations; and evaluate the reliability of methods and suggest possible improvements.
Key skills: Data recording, Method evaluationApply mathematical concepts and calculate results.
Key skills: Data calculation, Mathematical applicationPresent observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs.
Key skills: Data presentation, GraphingInterpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions.
Key skills: Data interpretation, Conclusion drawingPresent reasoned explanations, including explaining data in relation to predictions and hypotheses.
Key skills: Scientific explanation, Hypothesis testingEvaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources of random and systematic error.
Key skills: Error analysis, Data evaluationUnderstand and use SI units and IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) chemical nomenclature.
Key skills: SI units, Chemical namingUse and derive appropriate units and mathematical expressions; use symbols and layout of formulae to monitor the progress of a calculation.
Key skills: Unit derivation, Formula useCells and organisation: including the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells and the role of the nucleus, membrane, and cytoplasm.
Key skills: Cell structure, MicroscopyThe skeletal and muscular systems: including the structure and functions of the human skeleton and the mechanism of breathing.
Key skills: Anatomy, BiomechanicsNutrition and digestion: including the content of a healthy human diet and the tissues and organs of the human digestive system.
Key skills: Dietary analysis, Organ systemsGas exchange systems: including the structure and functions of the gas exchange system in humans and the process of gas exchange.
Key skills: Respiration, Gas exchangeReproduction: including reproduction in humans and plants, and the role of gametes, fertilisation, and gestation.
Key skills: Reproductive biology, Life cyclesHealth: including the effects of recreational drugs (including substance misuse) on behaviour, health and life processes.
Key skills: Health education, Substance impactPhotosynthesis: including the reactants in, and products of, photosynthesis, and the dependence of almost all life on Earth on it.
Key skills: Photosynthesis, Energy transferCellular respiration: including aerobic and anaerobic respiration in living organisms and the differences between them.
Key skills: Cellular respiration, MetabolismInteractions between organisms in an ecosystem: including food chains and food webs, and the impact of environmental changes on populations.
Key skills: Ecology, Food websInheritance, chromosomes, DNA and genes: including the structure of DNA and how genes and chromosomes determine characteristics.
Key skills: Genetics, DNA structureVariation and selection: including the variation between individuals within a species and the process of natural selection.
Key skills: Variation, Natural selectionThe properties of the different states of matter (solid, liquid and gas) in terms of the particle model.
Key skills: Particle model, States of matterA simple (Dalton) atomic model; differences between atoms, elements and compounds; and chemical symbols and formulae.
Key skills: Atomic theory, Chemical symbolsThe concept of a pure substance; mixtures, including dissolving; and techniques for separation (filtration, evaporation, distillation, chromatography).
Key skills: Separation techniques, PurityChemical reactions as the rearrangement of atoms; conservation of mass; and representing reactions using word and symbol equations.
Key skills: Chemical equations, Mass conservationThe pH scale for measuring acidity/alkalinity; and reactions of acids with metals and bases to produce salts.
Key skills: pH scale, NeutralisationThe varying physical and chemical properties of different elements; and the principles underpinning the Mendeleev periodic table.
Key skills: Periodic Table, Element propertiesProperties of ceramics, polymers and composites; and the chemical properties of metal and non-metal oxides.
Key skills: Material science, OxidationThe composition of the atmosphere; the production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the impact on climate.
Key skills: Atmospheric chemistry, Climate changeCalculation of fuel uses and costs in the domestic context; and energy changes and transfers including work and power.
Key skills: Energy calculation, PowerConservation of energy: including energy stores, transfers, and the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed.
Key skills: Energy conservation, Energy storesDescribing motion: including speed and the quantitative relationship between average speed, distance and time.
Key skills: Speed calculation, Motion graphsForces: including balanced and unbalanced forces, gravity, and the effects of forces on motion and shape.
Key skills: Force diagrams, GravityPressure in fluids: including atmospheric pressure and the relationship between force, area and pressure.
Key skills: Pressure, Fluid mechanicsObserved waves: including sound waves and light waves, their properties, and how they transfer energy.
Key skills: Wave properties, Sound and lightCurrent electricity: including electric current, potential difference, resistance, and series and parallel circuits.
Key skills: Circuit analysis, Ohm's LawMagnetism: including magnetic fields, electromagnets, and the Earth's magnetism.
Key skills: Magnetic fields, ElectromagnetismPhysical changes: including conservation of mass during changes of state and the particle model of matter.
Key skills: States of matter, DensitySpace physics: including the seasons and the Earth's tilt, the solar system, and the movement of planets.
Key skills: Astronomy, Solar systemKnow and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.
Key skills: Chronological narrative, British historyKnow and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires; characteristic features of past non-European societies; achievements and follies of mankind.
Key skills: World history, Ancient civilisationsGain and deploy a historically grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘civilisation’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry’.
Key skills: Historical terminology, Abstract conceptsUnderstand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically-valid questions and create their own structured accounts.
Key skills: Historical concepts, AnalysisUnderstand how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed.
Key skills: Evidence analysis, Historical interpretationsGain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts, understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history; between cultural, economic, military, political, religious and social history.
Key skills: Historical perspective, ContextualisationThe development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509.
Key skills: Medieval history, Church and stateThe development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745.
Key skills: Early modern history, Political changeIdeas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901.
Key skills: Industrial Revolution, British EmpireChallenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.
Key skills: Modern history, Global conflictA local history study.
Key skills: Local history, Primary researchThe study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
Key skills: Thematic study, Long-term chronologyAt least one study of a significant society or issue in world history and its interconnections with other world developments.
Key skills: Global history, InterconnectionsKnow and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day.
Key skills: Chronological understanding, National historyKnow and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: ancient civilisations; expansion and dissolution of empires; non-European societies.
Key skills: World history, Global awarenessGain and deploy a historically grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘civilisation’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry’.
Key skills: Historical terminology, Conceptual understandingUnderstand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections and analyse trends.
Key skills: Historical analysis, Cause and consequenceUnderstand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used to make claims, and why contrasting arguments and interpretations are constructed.
Key skills: Historical enquiry, Evidence evaluationGain historical perspective by placing knowledge into different contexts, understanding connections between local, regional, national and international history.
Key skills: Historical perspective, ContextualisationExtend and deepen chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history to provide context for wider learning.
Key skills: Chronology, Contextual knowledgeIdentify connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms.
Key skills: Trend analysis, Vocabulary developmentUnderstand how different types of historical sources are used rigorously to make historical claims and discern how and why interpretations are constructed.
Key skills: Source analysis, HistoriographyCreate relevant, structured and evidentially supported accounts including written narratives and analyses.
Key skills: Historical writing, Evidence-based argumentThe development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509.
Key skills: Medieval history, FeudalismThe development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745.
Key skills: Reformation, Civil WarIdeas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901.
Key skills: Industrial Revolution, ImperialismChallenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.
Key skills: World Wars, Social changeA local history study.
Key skills: Local research, Community historyThe study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
Key skills: Thematic study, Long-term changeAt least one study of a significant society or issue in world history and its interconnections with other world developments.
Key skills: Global history, InterconnectivityKnow and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day.
Key skills: Chronological understanding, Historical narrativeKnow and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: ancient civilisations; expansion and dissolution of empires; non-European societies.
Key skills: World history, Comparative analysisGain and deploy a historically grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘civilisation’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry’.
Key skills: Vocabulary acquisition, Conceptual understandingUnderstand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance.
Key skills: Causation, Change and continuityUnderstand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims.
Key skills: Evidence analysis, Historical enquiryDiscern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed.
Key skills: Interpretation, Critical thinkingGain historical perspective by placing growing knowledge into different contexts, understanding connections between local, regional, national and international history.
Key skills: Contextualisation, Historical perspectiveThe development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509.
Key skills: Medieval history, Political analysisThe development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745.
Key skills: Early modern history, Religious changeIdeas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901.
Key skills: Industrial Revolution, Imperial historyChallenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.
Key skills: Modern history, Global conflictThe Holocaust (statutory requirement within the study of the 20th century).
Key skills: Ethical reflection, Historical significanceA local history study.
Key skills: Local enquiry, Site-based studyThe study of a significant society or issue in world history and its interconnections with other world developments.
Key skills: Global connections, Non-European historyThe National Curriculum for Key Stage 3 is presented as a single block of learning for Years 7, 8, and 9. Schools are given the flexibility to decide how to sequence the content across these three years. While the curriculum is statutory for state-maintained schools, academies and private schools have more freedom in their curriculum design, though they must still provide a 'broad and balanced' education.
Formal 'National Curriculum Levels' (e.g., Level 5, Level 6) were removed in 2014. Schools now develop their own internal assessment systems to track progress against the 'Programmes of Study'. At the end of Key Stage 3, teachers provide a summary assessment of whether a pupil is meeting, exceeding, or working towards the expected standards. There are no longer mandatory national SATs tests at the end of Year 9; assessment is primarily teacher-led.
This standard was generated using AI with grounded search to find official, accurate information. While we strive for accuracy, please verify important details with official sources.
England
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
This content was generated by AI using official sources. If you notice any errors or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know.
Send Feedback