Science

At Rainhill High School, Science across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 is designed to develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong understanding of the world around us. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils build knowledge and skills in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, while learning how science explains real-life phenomena and global challenges.

During Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), pupils develop secure foundations in scientific knowledge and enquiry. They learn how to work scientifically through practical investigations, data analysis, and evaluation, while exploring key concepts such as cells and systems, forces and energy, chemical reactions, genetics, ecology, and the Earth’s atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on scientific literacy, problem-solving, and linking theory to everyday contexts.

At Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), students follow the GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) course. They deepen their understanding of core scientific principles across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, applying knowledge to unfamiliar situations and real-world issues. The course develops practical skills, analytical thinking, and exam confidence, preparing students for further study, employment, and informed participation in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

Year 7

Term 1 

Biology – Living Systems 

Pupils begin by exploring cells as the basic units of life. They learn the functions of key structures such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria and cell membrane, and compare plant, animal and bacterial cells. They develop microscopy skills and understand how cells form tissues, organs and organ systems. The term concludes with the skeletal and muscular systems, including how antagonistic muscles enable movement. 

Chemistry – Particles 

Pupils study the particle model to understand solids, liquids and gases. They explore changes of state and how particle spacing affects properties like compression in gases. They also learn about pure substances, solubility, saturated solutions and separation techniques such as filtration, evaporation, distillation and chromatography. 

Physics – Forces 

Pupils are introduced to forces as pushes and pulls. They study contact and non-contact forces, friction and balanced vs unbalanced forces. They learn how forces affect motion and shape, explore moments, and calculate speed using speed = distance ÷ time. Pupils also interpret distance–time graphs and compare typical human speeds. 

Term 2 

Biology – Reproduction 

Pupils learn the structures and functions of the male and female reproductive systems. They study fertilisation, embryo and foetal development, and the role of the placenta. The unit introduces puberty, hormones and the menstrual cycle, along with the concept of gestation. 

Chemistry – Atoms, Elements and Compounds 

Pupils explore atoms as the smallest particles of elements. They distinguish between elements, compounds and mixtures, and learn how mixtures are separated physically. They study evidence of chemical reactions, rearrangement of atoms and conservation of atoms. Pupils also work with word and symbol equations and begin interpreting chemical formulae. 

Physics – Electricity 

Pupils learn to construct and interpret circuit diagrams. They investigate the roles of cells, batteries and components while measuring current and potential difference. They compare conductors and insulators and study how current and voltage behave in series and parallel circuits. 

Term 3 

Biology – Diet and Digestion 

Pupils study what makes a balanced diet and the functions of nutrients including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. They learn about the consequences of poor diet and explore how the digestive system breaks down food. The role of enzymes, villi and beneficial gut bacteria is introduced, alongside diffusion and osmosis in absorption and transport. 

Chemistry – Chemical Reactions 

Pupils build on their understanding of chemical change by studying molecules, compounds and reaction types such as combustion, thermal decomposition, oxidation, exothermic and endothermic reactions. They work with balanced chemical equations and revisit particle behaviour to explain how energy changes affect forces and movement of particles. 

Physics – Space and Beyond 

Pupils explore the Solar System, distinguishing between stars, planets and satellites. They study gravity, orbits, day and night, the seasons, phases of the Moon and eclipses. They also learn about light years, gravitational field strength and the position of the Solar System within the Milky Way. 

Year 8

Term 1 

Biology – Breathing & Respiration 

Pupils study the gas exchange system, learning how oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed. They explore the structure and function of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli, and how features such as thin, moist walls and large surface area support diffusion. Pupils investigate breathing mechanics, lung capacity and how factors like exercise, smoking and asthma affect the respiratory system. They also compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration, including fermentation and its uses in food production. 

Chemistry – Acids & Alkalis 

Pupils learn how to use the pH scale to identify acids, alkalis and neutral substances. They investigate indicators and colour changes, neutralisation reactions, and the formation of salts. The unit introduces ions (H+ and OH−), bases, and reactions of acids with metals and carbonates. Pupils also explore aqueous solutions and how acids and bases behave in water. 

Physics – Waves 

Pupils explore transverse and longitudinal waves, learning key properties such as amplitude and frequency. They study water waves, light and sound, including how light reflects and how filters affect colour. Pupils examine ray diagrams, the behaviour of light on smooth or rough surfaces, and the speed of light. They also investigate sound waves, hearing range, echoes, ultrasound and how sound is detected by the ear. 

Term 2 

Biology – DNA & Variation 

Pupils discover how characteristics are inherited through DNA, genes and chromosomes. They distinguish between genetic, environmental and combined variation, learning how data on variation is collected. The unit introduces adaptation, evolution, natural selection, extinction and biodiversity. Pupils also learn about key scientific contributions to DNA discovery and explore sampling techniques used in ecological studies. 

Chemistry – Periodic Table & Materials 

Pupils study the structure of the atom, subatomic particles, and their charges and masses. They learn about Mendeleev’s periodic table and how reactivity trends help predict behaviour. The unit covers metal and non-metal oxides, reactions of acids with metals and carbonates, extraction of metals, oxidation and reduction, and electrolysis. Pupils also explore ceramics, polymers and composite materials, linking structure to properties. 

Physics – Mechanics 

Pupils extend their knowledge of forces, including contact and non-contact forces, friction, tension, upthrust, drag, magnetic, electrostatic and gravitational force. They explore balanced and unbalanced forces, resultant force, and how forces affect motion and shape. The unit introduces pressure in gases, Brownian motion, Hooke’s law and calculating moments. Pupils develop quantitative skills using formulas such as Pressure = Force ÷ Area and Force = spring constant × extension. 

Term 3 

Biology – Plant Biology 

Pupils investigate photosynthesis and how plants use glucose for growth and other processes. They study leaf and root adaptations including palisade cells, stomata and root hair cells. The unit reintroduces diffusion and osmosis before exploring plant reproduction, including flower structure, pollination, fertilisation, seed formation and seed dispersal. Pupils learn how many crops depend on insect pollination. 

Chemistry – The Earth & Atmosphere 

Pupils learn about the Earth’s layered structure and how tectonic plates move. They study the rock cycle and formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, along with weathering and erosion processes. The unit covers atmospheric composition, the carbon cycleand how human activities contribute to increased carbon dioxide and global warming. Pupils explore greenhouse gases and their role in climate change. 

Physics – Energy 

Pupils study different energy stores, including kinetic, thermal, chemical and gravitational potential energy. They learn how energy is transferred, calculate work done, and apply the principle of energy conservation. Pupils investigate useful vs wasted energy, dissipation, and renewable and non-renewable energy resources. The unit also covers elastic potential energy and introduces key equations such as E = ½ k × extension². 

Year 9
Year 10

Biology Overview 

In Biology, pupils learn how living organisms function and how the human body stays healthy. 

Cell Biology: Pupils explore what cells are, how they are structured and how they divide and grow. They also learn how substances move in and out of cells and how microscopes allow us to study life in detail. 

Organisation: This topic looks at the major systems of the human body, including digestion and circulation. Pupils learn how enzymes help with digestion and how lifestyle choices influence overall health. 

Infection and Response: Pupils study how diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. They learn how the body defends itself, how vaccines work, and how medicines such as antibiotics are developed. 

Bioenergetics: This section covers how plants make their own food through photosynthesis and how all living organisms release energy through respiration. 

Chemistry Overview 

In Chemistry, pupils deepen their understanding of substances, their properties and how they interact. 

Atomic Structure: Pupils learn about atoms, the building blocks of all matter, and how electrons, protons and neutrons are arranged. 

The Periodic Table: They discover how the periodic table is organised, why it is such an important scientific tool, and how patterns in the table help us predict how elements behave. 

Bonding, Structure and Properties: Pupils explore how atoms join together to form new substances, and how different types of bonding affect material properties. 

Quantitative Chemistry: This topic introduces the calculations chemists use to work out the amounts of substances involved in reactions. 

Chemical Changes: Pupils study reactions involving metals and acids, the reactivity series, and how metals can be extracted. 

Electrolysis: They learn how electricity can split compounds into their elements and how this process is used in industry. 

Energy Changes: Pupils explore reactions that release or absorb energy, helping them understand real-life applications such as hand warmers and cold packs. 

Physics Overview 

In Physics, pupils develop an understanding of the principles that explain energy, forces, matter and radiation. 

Energy: Pupils learn about different energy stores, how energy is transferred and how we can improve efficiency. They also explore ways of reducing heat loss in homes. 

Electricity: This topic introduces electrical circuits, potential difference, resistance and how electricity is generated and delivered across the country. 

Particle Model of Matter: Pupils look at how particles behave in solids, liquids and gases. They learn about density, changes of state and how heating affects internal energy. 

Radioactivity: Pupils explore the structure of the atom in more depth and learn how unstable atoms release radiation. They also consider the benefits and risks of radiation in medicine and industry. 

What This Means for Pupils 

By the end of Year 10, pupils will have developed: 
• a strong understanding of key scientific ideas 
• the ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-life examples 
• confidence with practical work and data analysis 
• the foundations needed for the final GCSE topics in Year 11 

Year 11

In Year 11, pupils continue their GCSE Trilogy Science course, deepening their understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics while preparing for final examinations. The focus is on applying knowledge, building exam confidence and linking learning to real-world issues. 

Biology Overview 

  • Homeostasis and Response – how the body maintains stable conditions such as temperature, water levels and blood sugar. Pupils study the nervous system, hormones, fertility treatments and contraception. 
  • Inheritance, Variation and Evolution – how DNA carries information, how characteristics are inherited, genetic disorders, genetic screening, natural selection and evolution. 
  • Selective Breeding and Genetic Engineering – how humans influence the characteristics of organisms through selective breeding and modern genetic modification. 
  • Ecology and the Environment – ecosystems, biodiversity, food chains, adaptations and human impacts such as pollution, climate change and habitat loss. 

Chemistry Overview 

  • Rates of Reaction – factors affecting reaction speed such as temperature, concentration, surface area and catalysts. Includes required practicals on rate of reaction. 
  • Reversible Reactions and Equilibrium – reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium and how temperature and pressure affect the balance of reactions. 
  • Crude Oil and Hydrocarbons – how crude oil is formed and separated, combustion, cracking and the use of hydrocarbons as fuels. 
  • Chemistry of the Atmosphere – evolution of the atmosphere, greenhouse gases, pollution and the science behind climate change. 
  • Using Earth’s Resources – potable water, sewage treatment, recycling, life cycle assessments and sustainable methods of metal extraction. 

Physics Overview 

  • Forces and Motion – gravity, work done, elasticity, acceleration, Newton’s laws, braking distances and, for Higher Tier, momentum. 
  • Waves – transverse and longitudinal waves, wave speed, frequency, wavelength and required practicals on waves. 
  • Electromagnetic Waves – the electromagnetic spectrum, its uses in medicine and communication, and the risks of ionising radiation. 
  • Magnetism and Electromagnetism – magnetic fields, electromagnets, the motor effect and how motors and loudspeakers work. 

Term 3 – Revision and Exam Preparation 

During Term 3, pupils revisit all GCSE topics across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Revision focuses on exam technique, calculation practice, retrieval of key knowledge, required practicals and extended exam-style questions to ensure pupils are confident and ready for their final GCSE examinations.