NEO’s KS3 Science offer, anchored on the National Curriculum Science programmes of study, key stage 3 (Department for Education, 2014). Crown copyright, public document.
Per the Curriculum Rationale v2.0 §8a, NEO frames KS3 Science as “Exploring the Natural World” — KS3 science content introduced through the human body, nutrition, and the environment, topics with immediate personal relevance. Low-equipment, inquiry-led approach. Foundation for KS4 Science (Human Biology and/or Combined Science) at KS4.
Strands
- Living things — cells, body systems, nutrition, breathing, reproduction, ecology, evolution
- Matter and chemistry — particles, atoms, elements and compounds, reactions, the Periodic Table, materials, atmosphere
- Forces, energy, and the universe — energy, motion, forces, waves, electricity, magnetism, particles, space
- Working scientifically — experimental design, measurement, observation, data analysis, evaluation (cross-cutting)
Cornerstone framing
KS3 Science connects most directly to Nutrition (the body strand), Movement (the body, exercise), Reflection (working scientifically), and Connection (ecology, environmental ethics).
Forward to KS4
Each KS3 Science strand is a precursor to the corresponding canonical KS4 Science domains. The NC at KS3 introduces; KS4 (whether Human Biology or Combined Science) extends and specialises.
Source
Department for Education (2014), Science programmes of study: key stage 3 — National curriculum in England. Crown copyright; freely usable.