The chemistry content of KS3 Science. The particle model. Atomic structure. Elements, compounds, mixtures. The Periodic Table at introductory level. Chemical reactions. Materials and their properties. Earth’s atmosphere.
NC outcomes (paraphrased)
Pupils should be taught to:
- The particulate nature of matter — solids, liquids, gases; changes of state; diffusion; pressure
- Atoms, elements and compounds — basic structure of atoms; elements and their representation; pure and impure substances; mixtures and compounds
- Chemical reactions — conservation of mass; representing reactions; oxidation, reduction, neutralisation
- The Periodic Table — patterns and properties; metals and non-metals
- Materials — properties of common materials; metals, polymers, ceramics
- Earth and atmosphere — composition of the atmosphere; the carbon cycle; climate
Forward to KS4
Precursor for the chemistry strands of KS4 Science (Combined Science route only):
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and properties of matter
- Chemical reactions, rates, and energy changes
- Earth’s atmosphere and resources
A learner taking Edexcel IGCSE Human Biology at KS4 will not encounter further chemistry content beyond what was learned at KS3. Worth flagging if a learner has emerging interest in the chemistry side — the Combined Science pathway is then the appropriate KS4 route.