Science - Year 10
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
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| Knowledge | Biology Non-communicable diseases Cancer Smoking and the risk of disease Diet, exercise and disease Alcohol and carcinogens Health and disease Pathogens and disease Preventing infections Viral disease Bacterial disease (Triple Science only) Growing bacteria in the lab Preventing bacterial growth Chemistry Relative masses and moles Equations and calculations From masses to balanced equations Expressing concentrations The reactivity series Displacement reactions Extracting metals Physics Alternating current Cables and plugs Electrical power and potential difference Electrical currents and energy transfer Appliances and efficiency | Biology Diseases caused by fungi and protists Human defence response Vaccination Antibiotics and painkillers Discovering drugs Developing drugs (Triple Science only) Making monoclonal antibodies Uses of monoclonal antibodies More about plant diseases Plant defence response Chemistry Salts from metals Salts from insoluble bases Making more salts Neutralisation and the pH scale Strong and weak acids Introduction to electrolysis Changes at the electrodes The extraction of aluminium Electrolysis of aqueous solutions Physics Density States of matter Changes of state Internal energy Specific latent heat Gas pressure and temperature (Triple Science only) Gas pressure and volume | Biology Photosynthesis The rate of photosynthesis How plants use glucose Making the most of photosynthesis Aerobic respiration The response to exercise Anaerobic respiration Metabolism and the liver Chemistry Exothermic and endothermic reactions Using energy transfers from reactions Reaction profiles Bond energy calculations (Triple Science only) Chemical cells and batteries Fuel cells Physics Atoms and radiation The discovery of the nucleus Changes in the nucleus Alpha, beta and gamma radiation Activity and half-life (Triple Science only) Nuclear radiation in medicine Nuclear fission Nuclear fusion Nuclear issues | Biology Principles of homeostasis The structure and function of the human nervous system Reflex actions Principles of hormonal control The control of blood glucose levels Treating diabetes The role of negative feedback (Triple Science only) The brain The eye Common problems of the eye Chemistry How fast? Collision theory and surface area The effect of temperature The effect of concentration or pressure The effect of catalysts Reversible reactions Energy and reversible reactions Dynamic equilibrium Altering conditions Physics Vectors and scalars Forces between objects Resultant forces Centre of mass The parallelogram of forces Resolution of forces (Triple Science only) Moments at work More about levers and gears Moments and equilibrium | Biology Human reproduction Hormones and the menstrual cycle The artificial control of fertility Infertility treatments Types of reproduction Cell division in sexual reproduction (Triple Science only) Plant hormones and responses Using plant hormones Controlling body temperature Removing waste products The human kidney Dialysis – an artifical kidney Kidney transplants Chemistry Hydrocarbons Fractional distillation Burning hydrocarbon fuels Cracking hydrocarbons Physics Speed and distance–time graphs Velocity and acceleration More about velocity–time graphs Analysing motion graphs | Biology DNA and the genome Inheritance in action More about genetics Inherited disorders Screening for genetic disorders Variation Evolution by natural selection Selective breeding Genetic engineering Ethics of genetic technologies (Triple Science only) The best of both worlds DNA structure and protein synthesis Gene expression and mutation Cloning Adult cell cloning Chemistry History of our atmosphere Our evolving atmosphere Greenhouse gases Global climate change Atmospheric pollutants Physics Forces and acceleration Weight and terminal velocity Forces and braking Forces and elasticity Momentum (Triple Science only) Using conservation of momentum Impact forces Safety first |
| Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary | Biology: risk; prevent; cause; harm; protect; affect; lifestyle; long-term; factor; immune; infection; exposure; spread; reproduce; damage; control; treat; reduce; increase; relate non-communicable disease; tumour; benign; malignant; metastasis; cancer; pathogen; virus; bacteria; protist; fungi; communicable disease; immune system; antibody; antigen; vaccine; vaccination; herd immunity; antibiotic; antiseptic; incubation; transmission; symptoms; smoking; tar; carbon monoxide; alcohol; carcinogen; diet; obesity; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; petri dish; culture medium; agar plate; sterilise; inoculate; bacterial colony; inhibition zone Chemistry: calculate; measure; balance; express; compare; increase; decrease; identify; explain; represent; determine relative atomic mass (Ar); relative formula mass (Mr); mole; Avogadro constant; molar mass; balanced equation; conservation of mass; empirical formula; concentration; mol/dm³; reactivity series; potassium; sodium; calcium; magnesium; zinc; iron; copper; displacement; oxidation; reduction; ore; extraction; electrolysis; carbon reduction; blast furnace Physics: transfer; convert; connect; flow; measure; supply; increase; decrease; protect; prevent; use; efficient; safe alternating current (AC); direct current (DC); mains electricity; frequency; hertz; plug; live wire; neutral wire; earth wire; fuse; three-pin plug; insulation; potential difference; voltage; voltmeter; current; ammeter; resistance; power; energy transfer; kilowatt-hour; work done; efficiency; Sankey diagram; input energy; useful output energy; electrical appliance | Biology: protect; defend; respond; attack; prevent; spread; affect; discover; develop; use; specific; targeted; identify; compare fungus; protist; malaria; pathogen; immune system; phagocyte; antibody; antigen; lymphocyte; vaccination; memory cell; herd immunity; antibiotic; painkiller; resistance; clinical trial; placebo; double-blind trial; drug development; monoclonal antibody; hybridoma; antigen-binding site; pregnancy test; cancer treatment; plant disease; tobacco mosaic virus; nitrate deficiency; aphid; physical defence; chemical defence; mechanical defence Chemistry: react; form; dissolve; measure; compare; affect; separate; change; identify; involve; increase; decrease; explain salt; acid; base; alkali; neutralisation; pH scale; indicator; universal indicator; strong acid; weak acid; ionisation; H⁺ ion; OH⁻ ion; titration; insoluble base; solubility; electrolysis; electrode; electrolyte; cathode; anode; ion; discharge; aluminium oxide; cryolite; aqueous solution; hydrogen; oxygen; inert electrode; half equation; redox Physics: measure; change; transfer; compare; increase; decrease; explain; affect; relate; remain; constant density; mass; volume; solid; liquid; gas; particle model; change of state; melting; freezing; evaporation; condensation; sublimation; internal energy; kinetic energy; potential energy; specific latent heat; latent heat of fusion; latent heat of vaporisation; pressure; temperature; volume; gas laws; compressibility; absolute zero; Brownian motion | Biology: absorb; convert; increase; decrease; affect; require; respond; recover; produce; process; energy; supply; support photosynthesis; chlorophyll; chloroplast; carbon dioxide; water; glucose; oxygen; light intensity; limiting factor; inverse square law; starch; cellulose; amino acid; nitrate ion; fatty acid; glycerol; respiration; aerobic; anaerobic; oxygen debt; lactic acid; metabolism; liver; glycogen; detoxification; enzyme-controlled reaction Chemistry: transfer; release; absorb; compare; calculate; involve; store; change; predict; use; provide exothermic; endothermic; activation energy; energy level diagram; reaction profile; bond energy; energy change; breaking bonds; making bonds; chemical cell; battery; voltage; electrolyte; electrode; fuel cell; hydrogen fuel; oxidise; reduction; redox reaction Physics: emit; detect; affect; cause; expose; remain; reduce; predict; measure; occur; increase; decrease atom; nucleus; proton; neutron; electron; ionising radiation; alpha particle; beta particle; gamma ray; Geiger counter; radioactive decay; nuclear model; isotopes; half-life; background radiation; tracer; radiotherapy; contamination; irradiation; nuclear fission; nuclear fusion; chain reaction; moderator; control rod; reactor; fusion reactor; nuclear waste; radiation shielding | Biology: respond; maintain; regulate; control; detect; prevent; affect; recover; cause; signal; increase; decrease homeostasis; stimulus; receptor; coordination centre; effector; response; nervous system; central nervous system (CNS); neuron; synapse; reflex arc; motor neuron; sensory neuron; hormone; endocrine gland; pancreas; insulin; glucagon; diabetes (type 1 and type 2); negative feedback; pituitary gland; thyroid; adrenaline; brain; cerebrum; cerebellum; medulla; MRI scan; eye; retina; cornea; lens; iris; ciliary muscles; suspensory ligaments; myopia; hyperopia; corrective lens; laser surgery Chemistry: rate; affect; increase; decrease; change; collide; balance; maintain; shift; control; alter; influence rate of reaction; collision theory; activation energy; surface area; temperature; concentration; pressure; catalyst; reversible reaction; equilibrium; dynamic equilibrium; Le Chatelier’s Principle; endothermic; exothermic; yield; energy profile; reaction pathway Physics: balance; apply; support; act; move; rotate; affect; calculate; oppose; measure; distribute vector; scalar; displacement; velocity; force; resultant force; contact force; non-contact force; centre of mass; parallelogram of forces; resolution; moment; pivot; lever; gear; effort; load; mechanical advantage; equilibrium; clockwise moment; anticlockwise moment | Biology: control; release; regulate; prevent; affect; compare; support; develop; produce; remove; increase; decrease; respond reproduction; sexual reproduction; asexual reproduction; gamete; fertilisation; ovary; uterus; sperm; oestrogen; progesterone; LH; FSH; menstrual cycle; contraception; IVF; infertility; meiosis; genetic variation; auxin; gibberellin; ethene; phototropism; gravitropism; hormone; homeostasis; thermoregulation; sweat glands; vasodilation; vasoconstriction; urea; kidneys; nephron; dialysis; kidney transplant; immunosuppressant drugs Chemistry: separate; burn; produce; compare; reduce; extract; break down; useful; mixture; layer hydrocarbon; alkane; alkene; saturated; unsaturated; crude oil; fraction; fractional distillation; boiling point; combustion; complete combustion; incomplete combustion; carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; soot; global warming; cracking; catalytic cracking; thermal decomposition Physics: measure; calculate; increase; decrease; compare; plot; describe; change; rise; fall speed; distance; time; velocity; acceleration; deceleration; gradient; distance–time graph; velocity–time graph; constant speed; uniform acceleration; motion; displacement; area under graph; slope | Biology: inherit; pass on; vary; affect; develop; occur; select; produce; influence; modify; ethical; advantage; disadvantage; prevent; express DNA; genome; gene; chromosome; allele; dominant; recessive; homozygous; heterozygous; genotype; phenotype; inherited disorder; cystic fibrosis; polydactyly; genetic screening; variation; mutation; evolution; natural selection; survival of the fittest; selective breeding; genetic engineering; gene therapy; restriction enzyme; vector; plasmid; insulin gene; ethics; recombinant DNA; protein synthesis; transcription; translation; messenger RNA (mRNA); ribosome; cloning; embryo cloning; adult cell cloning; stem cell Chemistry: change; develop; release; trap; cause; increase; decrease; affect; contribute; reduce; prevent atmosphere; volcanic activity; carbon dioxide; oxygen; nitrogen; methane; greenhouse gas; global warming; climate change; fossil fuels; combustion; carbon footprint; sulphur dioxide; nitrogen oxides; particulates; acid rain; deforestation; photosynthesis; ice cores; greenhouse effect Physics: speed up; slow down; resist; stretch; compress; change; apply; increase; reduce; impact; conserve force; acceleration; mass; Newton's Second Law; resultant force; gravity; weight; air resistance; terminal velocity; friction; braking distance; stopping distance; reaction time; Hooke’s Law; elastic limit; extension; spring constant; momentum; conservation of momentum; impact force; crumple zone; seatbelt; airbag; safety feature |
| Assessment | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations Summative assessment Biology:Transport in plants, Non-communicable diseases Summative assessment Chemistry: Bonding and materials, Our atmosphere Summative assessment Physics: Electric circuits, Electricity in the home | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations Summative assessment Biology:Non-communicable diseases, Communicable diseases, Preventing and treating diseases Summative assessment Chemistry:Chemical calculations, Chemical changes, Electrolysis Summative assessment Physics: Electric currents, Electricity in the home, Molecules and matter | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations | Formative assessments specific to each topic Practical investigations Mock exam Biology: Paper 1 Mock exam Chemistry: Paper 1 Mock exam Physics: Paper 1 |
| Cultural Capital Careers Cross Curricular Links | Communicable Understanding global health challenges (e.g. pandemics, cancer, diabetes) and how lifestyle, access to healthcare, and vaccination shape outcomes around the world. Medicine, epidemiology, public health, nursing, pharmaceutical science, and biomedical research, highlighting the importance of biology in disease prevention and treatment. Integrates with PSHE (healthy lifestyles, drug/alcohol awareness, STIs),and geography (disease spread, global inequalities in healthcare). Chemical calculations Builds confidence in interpreting and solving quantitative problems, relevant for real-world applications like medicine dosage, product formulations, and environmental monitoring. Chemical engineering, lab-based science, forensics, environmental chemistry, and food and cosmetic sciences. Strong links with maths through mole calculations, formulae, ratios, and significant figures; reinforces numeracy skills in scientific contexts. Electricity in the home Helps students interpret energy bills, choose energy-efficient appliances, and understand electrical safety, preparing them for independent living. Electrical engineering, electricians, appliance design, renewable energy, and smart home technologies. Links with design & technology (electrical systems, safety),and maths (calculations involving energy, power, current, cost). Empowerment – Informed Decision-Making These topics together support critical thinking, personal responsibility, and informed decision-making in health, energy use, and science-based policy debates. | Vaccinations, antibiotics, drug development, and disease prevention Deepens students' understanding of public health, global medicine access, and the impact of science on society. Medicine, nursing, microbiology, pharmacy, drug development, and clinical research. Students gain insight into how new treatments are discovered and tested. Connects to PSHE through topics like disease prevention and hygiene, and to history by exploring the impact of vaccination and antibiotic discovery on public health. Acid-base reactions and electrolysis Link to real-world experiences (e.g. indigestion remedies, cleaning products, environmental pollution). Electrolysis connects to industry, including metal extraction and water treatment. Chemical engineering, metallurgy, battery technology, and industrial chemistry. Density and internal energy Everyday contexts like floating/sinking, state changes, and how materials store and transfer heat – key to climate science and engineering. Materials science, thermal engineering, HVAC design, renewable energy, and product design (e.g. insulation, aerospace). Strong links with maths (formulas for density, specific heat capacity, etc.) and design & technology through thermal properties and material choices. | Photosynthesis and respiration How life sustains itself and the interconnectedness of ecosystems, fostering awareness of environmental issues like climate change and food security. Botany, agriculture, environmental science, nutrition, medicine, and biotechnology. Understanding respiration is key for health professions; photosynthesis underpins sustainable farming. Connects with geography through climate and ecosystems, and biology via cellular processes, helping students understand human impact on the environment and energy flow in ecosystems. Energy changes in chemical reactions Explain phenomena like combustion in engines, food digestion, and industrial processes, helping students relate chemistry to daily life and technology. Chemical engineering, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemistry, especially roles focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. Energy calculations and reaction rates link to maths skills (quantitative analysis) and design technology through energy-efficient product design. Radioactivity Teaches the history and societal impact of radioactivity, including medical uses (cancer treatment),nuclear energy, and nuclear safety and ethics, enriching scientific literacy about a powerful technology. Nuclear medicine, radiography, nuclear engineering, and environmental monitoring, as well as scientific research. | Nervous system and hormones Awareness of how the body regulates itself, highlighting issues like health, wellbeing, and medical treatments (e.g., diabetes, hormone therapy),which impact daily life and society. Medicine, nursing, endocrinology, neurology, pharmacology, and biomedical research, where knowledge of body systems and chemical processes is essential. Connects biology with PSHE (personal health and wellbeing) and psychology (understanding behavior and brain function),supporting holistic education on human biology and mental health. Reaction Rates Industrial processes, environmental management (e.g., pollution control),and everyday phenomena like cooking and preservation. Chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, food technology, and research and development focused on optimizing reactions for efficiency and sustainability. Rate calculations and experimentation connect to maths skills (graphs, rates) and design technology through product development involving chemical processes. Forces Explains motion, stability, and structural integrity, enhancing understanding of transport, architecture, sports, and safety in everyday life. Mechanical and civil engineering, automotive design, aerospace, sports science, and physical therapy, where force analysis is crucial. | Reproduction and plant hormones Connects students to food production, biodiversity, and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of plants in ecosystems and human nutrition. Agronomy, plant science, genetic engineering, horticulture, and agricultural technology, focusing on crop improvement and sustainable farming. Geography (agriculture and ecosystems),biology (plant biology),and environmental science (sustainable resource management). Crude oil and hydrocarbons Awareness of energy dependence, environmental pollution, and climate change, key issues in modern society. Petrochemical engineering, renewable energy, environmental consultancy, and sustainability roles focused on transitioning from fossil fuels to greener alternatives. Geography (natural resources and human impact) and economics (energy markets). Motion Transport, sports, safety, and technology, highlighting how physics principles govern everyday activities. Mechanical engineering, automotive design, aerospace, sports coaching, and physical therapy, where motion and forces are central. Mathematical skills like graph interpretation, speed, velocity, and acceleration calculations. Empowerment Encourages critical thinking about how biology, chemistry, and physics intersect in solving global challenges like sustainable agriculture, energy use, and transportation innovation. | Inheritance, variation, and evolution Appreciation of biodiversity, genetic heritage, and the scientific basis of life, enriching their view of human history and biological connections. Genetic counseling, biomedical research, evolutionary biology, conservation science, and forensic science, which rely on understanding genetics and evolution. History (development of evolutionary theory),philosophy/ethics (debates on genetic technologies),and maths (probability and statistics in genetics). Chemistry of the atmosphere Understanding of environmental issues, climate change, and pollution, critical for informed global citizenship. Climate science, environmental consultancy, atmospheric chemistry, renewable energy, and policy-making focused on sustainability. Geography (climate zones, human impact) and economics (energy use and policy). Forces and motion Transport, sports, engineering, and safety, helping students understand how physical laws shape the world. Mechanical and aerospace engineering, automotive design, sports science, and applied physics. |