Term / Half-term

Main topics / units

Key knowledge & skills

Autumn 1

Particle model of matter

Cells

Skeleton

Understanding what particles are, how these are arranged in the 3 states of matter and what happens to their arrangement when changes of state take place. Learning is supported by simple investigative work and using/analysing of data.

Learning about the basic units of life, cell structures and their functions, how and why cells are adapted to particular functions. Using microscopes and making a simple slide to view plant cells.

Exploring the function of the skeleton and outlining how humans use muscles and joints to move.

Autumn 2

Atoms, elements and compounds

Waves

Extending the concept of particles to consider how particles can be arranged into atoms, elements and can form compounds. Introducing simple chemical reactions, investigative work and introducing the concept of chemical equations.

Introducing the concept of waves as a form of energy transfer, the structure of waves and how waves enable us to hear.

Spring 1

Reproduction

Light

Learning about the reproductive systems and processes in humans and in plants and the role and function of the organs that make up these. The role of hormones in humans and how this causes changes in the human body during puberty and pregnancy.

Building on the waves topic to understand the properties and behaviour of light waves, investigating what takes place during reflection and refraction. Explaining why we see coloured objects and understanding the structure of the eye and how this enables us to see.

Spring 2

Earth and atmosphere

Acids and alkalis

Understanding the structure of the Earth and each layers’ properties. Describing why we have different types of rocks, how they form and how their formation leads them to have different properties. The natural cycling of carbon and how its imbalance leads to climate change and the importance of recycling are discussed.

Investigative work enabling substances to be classified as acids or alkalis and using the pH scale as measure of their strength. Introducing neutralisation as a process and writing simple chemical equations to show the formation of a salt.

Summer 1

Forces

Nutrition

Introducing different types of forces and their impact on objects is explored through investigative work. Gathering data, drawing graphs and analysing these to make simple conclusions.

Exploring the function of the digestive system, the roles of each organ and how food is broken down into nutrients to be used by the body. Investigating foods and how these can be tested using chemicals to identify which nutrients they contain.

Summer 2

Energy changes

Relationships in an ecosystem

Introducing the concept of energy and how this can be stored and the unit of energy. Making the connection between food and fuels as stores of energy. Making simple calculations

Exploring the relationships between species in food chains and food webs and how species depend on each other to survive (interdependence).

Type of assessment

Approx. frequency / when

What it is used for (e.g. reports, targets)

Classwork / quizzes

Short retrieval quizzes most lessons.

To check recall of key facts and address misconceptions quickly.

Homework tasks

Typically once per week.

To practise applying ideas and build good study habits.

End-of-topic assessments

Approximately once per half-term.

To judge understanding of each unit, inform progress data and identify and address misconceptions as they arise.

End-of-year assessment

Summer term.

To give an overall picture of progress across the year.