For further details about Physics at Key Stage 3 or 4, or to discuss your child’s progress, please contact the school office.
At Thomas Mills High School our Key Stage 3 Physics curriculum is designed to provide all pupils with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of physics, enabling them to understand and explain the physical world around them. The curriculum follows the National Curriculum requirements, ensuring pupils acquire a deep understanding of scientific concepts and develop the skills necessary to become curious, confident, and capable scientists.
Our intent is to:
Note: Due to the carousel-based teaching schedule within science in year 7 pupils will complete a total of 6 science units, 2 from Biology, Chemistry and Physics during their first year.
Knowledge:
The Key Stage 3 energy topic introduces pupils to fundamental principles of energy stores, transfers, and conservation. Pupils learn about different forms of energy, including kinetic, thermal, chemical, and gravitational potential energy. They explore how energy moves through systems via conduction, convection, and radiation, as well as the concept of efficiency and dissipation. The curriculum also covers renewable and non-renewable energy resources, examining their advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impact.
Skills:
Through practical investigations, pupils develop an understanding of how energy is measured, calculated, and applied in real-world contexts. In the energy topic, pupils use numeracy skills to calculate energy transfers, efficiency, and power. Pupils also interpret graphs, convert units, and apply mathematical concepts to energy-related problems.
Useful Links
Energy stores – Energy – KS3 Physics – BBC Bitesize
Generating electricity guide for KS3 Physics pupils – BBC Bitesize
Science, secondary, Year 7 – Lesson listing | Oak National Academy
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught
Mid Unit Assessment – An extended project task on the theme of Energy
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class assessment on content covered in the unit
Knowledge:
The Key Stage 3 space topic introduces pupils to fundamental astronomical concepts. This unit covers the structure of the universe, the solar system, and the movements of celestial bodies. Pupils learn about the characteristics of planets, stars, galaxies, and the vastness of space. They explore phenomena such as day and night cycles, seasons, and the phases of the Moon, understanding how Earth’s position and motion relative to the Sun and Moon influence these events.
Skills:
Throughout this unit, pupils develop various scientific skills. Analytical skills are honed through interpreting data related to planetary movements and understanding the scale of the universe. Practical investigations may involve modelling the solar system or simulating lunar phases, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, pupils enhance their research skills by exploring current space missions and astronomical discoveries, encouraging curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the field of astronomy.
Useful Links
Features of our solar system guide for KS3 Physics pupils – BBC Bitesize
Days, months, years and seasons guide for KS3 Physics pupils – BBC Bitesize
Phases of the Moon – BBC Bitesize
Science, secondary, Year 7 – Lesson listing | Oak National Academy
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught
Mid Unit Assessment – An extended project task on the theme of space exploration
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class assessment on content covered in the unit
Knowledge:
Our Key Stage 3 Physics curriculum on forces and motion unit introduces pupils to fundamental concepts that explain how objects interact and move. Pupils explore various types of forces, including gravitational, frictional, and applied forces, and learn how these forces can cause changes in an object’s speed or direction. They study the concepts of balanced and unbalanced forces, understanding how the net force acting on an object determines its motion. The curriculum also covers the principles of speed and acceleration, enabling pupils to describe and predict the motion of objects. Additionally, pupils examine the effects of mass and force on acceleration, delving into Newton’s laws of motion to explain these relationships.
Skills:
Through practical investigations, pupils develop essential skills in measuring forces and motion. They engage in experiments to calculate speed by measuring distances and times and use force meters to quantify forces acting on objects. Pupils interpret motion graphs, such as distance-time and velocity-time graphs, to analyse patterns and relationships. They also apply mathematical formulas to solve problems related to force, mass, and acceleration, enhancing their numeracy skills. We aim to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as pupils design experiments, control variables, and draw evidence-based conclusions about the principles governing forces and motion.
Useful Links
Introduction to forces – Forces and movement – KS3 Physics – BBC Bitesize
Representing journeys – Forces and movement – KS3 Physics – BBC Bitesize
Motion and speed – Forces and movement – KS3 Physics – BBC Bitesize
Science, secondary, Year 8 – Lesson listing | Oak National Academy
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught
Mid Unit Assessment – An extended project task on the theme of Forces
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class assessment on content covered in the unit
Knowledge:
This unit in Key Stage 3 Physics encompasses fundamental concepts in waves, electricity, and magnetism. Pupils explore the nature and properties of waves, including sound and light, understanding how they transfer energy and information. They examine the behaviour of waves during reflection and refraction and colour, studying various types. In electricity, learners investigate electric circuits, differentiating between series and parallel configurations, and comprehend the principles of current, voltage, and resistance. The curriculum also introduces magnetism, covering magnetic fields, the Earth’s magnetism, and the relationship between electricity and magnetism, such as electromagnetism and its applications.
Skills:
Throughout these topics, pupils develop practical skills by constructing and analysing electric circuits, measuring electrical quantities, and observing the behaviour of magnets and electromagnets. They engage in experiments to investigate wave properties and observe their effects in controlled conditions. The activities enhance their abilities to use specialist apparatus and understand the practical applications of waves, electricity, and magnetism in everyday life.
Useful Links
Science, secondary, Year 8 – Lesson listing | Oak National Academy
Science, secondary, Year 8 – Lesson listing | Oak National Academy
Magnetism guide for KS3 physics pupils – BBC Bitesize
Electromagnetism guide for KS3 physics pupils – BBC Bitesize
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught
Mid Unit Assessment – An extended research project task on the theme of light and colour
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class assessment on content covered in the unit
At Thomas Mills High School, our GCSE Physics curriculum is designed to provide all pupils with a deep understanding of key physical principles, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to explain the world around them. Following the OCR A specification, our curriculum builds upon prior learning, ensuring pupils develop scientific literacy and the ability to apply Physics to real-world contexts.
Our intent is to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
Pupils will learn about the history of atomic theory, including key discoveries by Dalton, Rutherford, and Bohr, as well as the particle model of matter, which explains the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. They will develop an understanding of density, including its definition, calculations, and experimental measurements. The concept of changes of state will be explored, covering melting, freezing, boiling, condensing, and sublimation, along with an introduction to internal energy and temperature, highlighting the differences between heat and temperature. Specific heat capacity will be introduced, allowing pupils to explore its formula, calculations, and real-world applications, followed by specific latent heat, where they will learn how energy changes can occur without a change in temperature. Gas pressure and volume will also be investigated, focusing on Boyle’s Law and kinetic theory.
Skills Development:
Pupils will develop mathematical skills, including the use of SI units, significant figures, rearranging equations, and interpreting graphs. They will refine their practical skills through experimental work such as measuring density, specific heat capacity, and pressure. In addition, they will enhance their ability to carry out scientific enquiries by designing experiments, collecting and analysing data, and drawing valid conclusions from their results.
Useful Links
Unit: Particle explanations of density and pressure | KS4 Combined science | Oak National Academy
The particle model – GCSE Physics (Single Science) – BBC Bitesize
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught
Online Homework Tasks – Pupils have their own online account with EDUCAKE, and online learning platform.
Mid Unit Assessment – An informal task that requires pupils to answer a series of questions in different styles, ranging from multiple choice, calculate and extended writing.
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class, exam style assessment on content covered in this unit.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Pupils will explore the fundamental principles of motion and forces, starting with speed, distance, and time calculations and their graphical representations. They will develop an understanding of acceleration and learn how to interpret velocity-time graphs. Newton’s Laws of Motion will be examined, covering inertia, force, and acceleration, along with an introduction to vectors and scalars to distinguish between quantities with and without direction. Terminal velocity will be discussed in relation to forces acting on falling objects, and the principle of conservation of momentum will be applied to collisions. Pupils will study the concepts of work done and energy transfer using the equation W = F × d and investigate Hooke’s Law by exploring force-extension relationships in elastic materials. They will also learn about weight and gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy calculations using KE = ½mv², and how moments, hydraulics, and gears play a role in mechanical systems.
Skills Development:
Pupils will enhance their mathematical skills by practising equation rearrangement, applying SI units correctly, and analysing graphs. Practical skills will be further developed through hands-on experiments involving measuring speed, acceleration, force, and energy transfer. They will gain experience in experimental techniques such as conducting risk assessments, collecting accurate data, investigating forces, and evaluating results to improve scientific inquiry skills.
Useful Links
Forces – GCSE Physics (Single Science) – BBC Bitesize
Unit: Measuring and calculating motion | KS4 Combined science | Oak National Academy
Unit: Energy of moving objects | KS4 Combined science | Oak National Academy
Unit: Forces make things change | KS4 Combined science | Oak National Academy
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught.
Online Homework Tasks – Pupils have their own online account with EDUCAKE, and online learning platform.
Mid Unit Assessment – An informal task that requires pupils to answer a series of questions in different styles, ranging from multiple choice, calculate and extended writing.
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class, exam style assessment on content covered in this unit.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Pupils will study electrical circuits, including series and parallel circuit arrangements, and understand key quantities such as current, potential difference (voltage), and resistance. Ohm’s Law will be explored, showing the relationship between these variables and how to calculate resistance in circuits. Pupils will learn about power and energy transfers in electrical appliances, as well as the role of fuses, circuit breakers, and earthing for electrical safety. The study of static electricity will introduce concepts such as charge, electric fields, and electrostatic forces.
Skills Development:
Pupils will develop circuit-building skills by constructing and analysing electrical circuits using ammeters, voltmeters, and variable resistors. They will improve their ability to interpret circuit diagrams, measure electrical quantities, and apply mathematical formulas. They will also enhance their practical skills by investigating resistance in different components, such as wires and resistors, and understanding energy dissipation in electrical systems.
Useful Links
Unit: Electric fields and circuit calculations | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Unit: Circuit components | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Electrical circuits and electromagnetism – GCSE Physics (Single Science) – BBC Bitesize
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught.
Online Homework Tasks – Pupils have their own online account with EDUCAKE, and online learning platform.
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class, exam style assessment on content covered in this unit.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Pupils will explore magnetic fields, electromagnetism, and how electric currents produce magnetic effects. They will study the motor effect and how it applies to electric motors and loudspeakers. Electromagnetic induction will be introduced, covering how transformers work and the generation of electricity in power stations.
Skills Development:
Pupils will develop experimental skills through investigations of magnetic fields using compasses and iron filings. They will improve their ability to apply the right-hand rule to determine current direction and learn how to manipulate variables to understand the factors affecting induced voltage.
Useful Links
Unit: Electromagnetism | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Electrical circuits and electromagnetism – GCSE Physics (Single Science) – BBC Bitesize
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught.
Online Homework Tasks – Pupils have their own online account with EDUCAKE, and online learning platform.
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class, exam style assessment on content covered in this unit.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Pupils will study the properties of transverse and longitudinal waves, including frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and wave speed. They will explore sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and applications such as ultrasound and radio waves. Reflection, refraction, and diffraction will be covered, along with the dangers and uses of different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Skills Development:
Pupils will develop experimental techniques to measure wave speed, frequency, and wavelength. They will apply mathematical equations to wave calculations and analyse wave behaviours using ray diagrams.
Useful Links
Unit: Measuring waves | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Unit: Electromagnetic waves | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Waves – GCSE Physics (Single Science) – BBC Bitesize
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught.
Online Homework Tasks – Pupils have their own online account with EDUCAKE, and online learning platform.
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class, exam style assessment on content covered in this unit.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Pupils will learn about atomic structure, radioactive decay, half-life, and the different types of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma). They will explore nuclear fission and fusion, as well as the uses and dangers of radiation.
Skills Development:
Pupils will interpret radioactive decay graphs, understand the principles of nuclear equations, and evaluate the risks and benefits of using nuclear energy.
Useful Links
Unit: Nuclear physics | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Nuclear, electromagnetic and infrared radiation – GCSE Physics (Single Science) – BBC Bitesize
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught.
Online Homework Tasks – Pupils have their own online account with EDUCAKE, and online learning platform.
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class, exam style assessment on content covered in this unit.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Pupils will explore the different types of energy stores and transfers, including kinetic, gravitational potential, elastic potential, and thermal energy. They will study the principles of conservation of energy and efficiency, learning how energy is dissipated in real-world applications. Power and energy calculations will be introduced, helping pupils understand how to quantify energy usage in appliances. We will also look at how energy transfer occurs in the context of our homes and how we can reduce energy loss.
Skills Development:
Pupils will develop their ability to apply the principle of conservation of energy to real-world scenarios and analyse Sankey diagrams to determine energy efficiency. They will refine their mathematical skills by working with power, energy, and efficiency equations. Practical investigations will focus on measuring energy transfer and evaluating the efficiency of different devices.
Useful Links
Unit: Energy of moving particles | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Investigating the effectiveness of insulating materials – Energy: Video playlist – BBC Bitesize
Unit: Energy of moving objects | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught.
Online Homework Tasks – Pupils have their own online account with EDUCAKE, and online learning platform.
Mid Unit Assessment – An informal task that requires pupils to answer a series of questions in different styles, ranging from multiple choice, calculate and extended writing.
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class, exam style assessment on content covered in this unit.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Pupils will examine how physics is applied to global challenges such as climate change, space exploration, and energy security. They will study the forces involved in vehicle motion, including stopping distances, braking forces, and crash safety. Renewable and non-renewable energy resources will be examined, with a focus on the advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impact of different energy sources. The physics of space will be introduced, covering topics such as orbits, satellites, and the life cycle of stars.
Skills Development:
Pupils will develop critical thinking skills by evaluating real-world case studies related to transport, energy use, and climate change. They will apply their knowledge of forces and motion to analyse stopping distances and safety features in vehicles. Mathematical skills will be strengthened through calculations involving gravitational fields, orbital motion, and atmospheric pressure.
Useful Links
Lesson: Stopping safely | Higher | OCR | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Unit: Gravity in space | KS4 Physics | Oak National Academy
Space – GCSE Physics (Single Science) – BBC Bitesize
Assessments:
Standardised assessments:
Topic Summary Check Lists – Pupils use these to review progress and self-reflect on content taught.
Online Homework Tasks – Pupils have their own online account with EDUCAKE, and online learning platform.
Mid Unit Assessment – An informal task that requires pupils to answer a series of questions in different styles, ranging from multiple choice, calculate and extended writing.
End of Unit Test – Formal, in class, exam style assessment on content covered in this unit.
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Mr D Halls
