The biology content of KS3 Science. Cell structure (microscopy), body systems (circulation, breathing, digestion, nervous system), nutrition and health, reproduction, ecology and interdependence, evolution and inheritance.
NEO’s framing per the Curriculum Rationale: introduce science through the human body, nutrition, and the environment — topics with immediate personal relevance for the EBSNA cohort.
NC outcomes (paraphrased; full text on gov.uk)
Pupils should be taught to:
- Cells and organisation — recognise cells under a microscope; understand the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems; the hierarchical nature of biological organisation
- Body systems — circulation (heart, blood vessels, blood); breathing (lungs, gas exchange); nutrition and digestion (balanced diet, digestive system, absorption); the nervous system (brief introduction)
- Health, exercise, and lifestyle — effects of exercise; effects of smoking and alcohol; effects of diet on health
- Reproduction — reproduction in humans; menstrual cycle; reproduction in flowering plants
- Material cycles and energy — photosynthesis; cellular respiration; food chains and food webs
- Interactions and interdependencies — relationships in an ecosystem; how organisms affect and are affected by their environment
- Genetics and evolution — heredity; variation; natural selection (introduction)
Forward to KS4
Precursor for the biology strands of KS4 Science:
- Cells, tissues, and the molecules of life
- Bones, muscles, and movement
- Nutrition, digestion, and energy
- Respiration and gas exchange
- Internal transport
- Coordination and the body’s regulation
- Reproduction, heredity, and genetics
- Health, disease, immunity, and lifestyle
- Ecology and the environment (Combined Science route only)
This single KS3 strand fans forward into nine KS4 biology strands. The widest precursor net in the vault. A learner whose KS3 Living Things is secure has groundwork for either the Edexcel Human Biology or Combined Science pathway at KS4.
Cross-curriculum
- RSHE Health Education (lifestyle, body literacy)
- RSHE Sex Education (reproduction)