Term / Half-term

Main topics / units

Key knowledge & skills

Autumn 1

Cell biology

Atomic structure and the Periodic Table

Students will learn about the different types of cells, their organelles and functions. A required practical using microscopes will be undertaken which includes students preparing a slide to view and make calculations relating to the size of a cell.

Students learn about cell transport and complete a required practical investigating osmosis.

The structure of the atom is explored in terms of sub atomic particles, their charges and the development of the current accepted model of the atom is discussed. Students will write simple chemical equations and formulae. The history of the periodic table and its development will provide students with an appreciation of how and why elements are ordered into groups and periods.

Autumn 2

Energy

Chemistry of the Atmosphere

Students will learn about energy stores and how energy is transferred from one store to another. This will also involve using physics formulae and rearranging these as appropriate. Energy resources and their impact on the environment will be discussed. There are elements of data handling and investigative work.

Required practicals: Thermal insulation, specific heat capacity.

Students will learn how the atmosphere has evolved and the reasons for its composition in terms of the gases it is made from. Greenhouse gases, climate change and human activities are explored. Students will develop their data handling skills and being able to make judgements.

Spring 1

Health and Disease

Exploring the differences between non communicable and communicable diseases and the impact of lifestyle on a person’s health. Students will learn about pathogens and how infection is responded to and how this can be prevented.

Spring 2

Chemical Analysis

Students will learn about formulations and how these are used in everyday life. They will use chromatography as a separation method and be able to calculate Rf value as a means to identify the components of a mixture. Students will be able to explore the tests for hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and chlorine gases.

Required practical: Chromatography.

Summer 1

Electricity

Developing understanding of how certain components work and how resistance is affected in circuits and making appropriate calculations and investigations.

Learning about domestic electricity, efficiency, power and the National Grid. Using physics formulae to calculate charge, resistance, power and efficiency as necessary.

Required practicals: Resistance in a wire, IV characteristics

Summer 2

Consolidation

Making connections between the topics taught and consolidating concepts prior to the end of Year 9.

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.