United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 11 Combined Science.
This Year 11 Combined Science curriculum prepares students for their final GCSE examinations by consolidating core scientific principles across biology, chemistry, and physics. Students will develop critical thinking and practical skills through rigorous scientific enquiry, enabling them to understand the material world and make informed decisions.
01Homeostasis and Response
Students explore how the human body maintains a constant internal environment and responds to external stimuli. This unit covers the nervous system, hormonal coordination, and the regulation of blood glucose.
An investigation into the structure and function of the nervous system, including reflex actions and synapses. Students will understand how electrical impulses coordinate rapid responses.
A study of the endocrine system and its role in long-term bodily regulation. Focus is placed on the pituitary gland and the comparison between nervous and hormonal responses.
Students examine the roles of insulin and glucagon in regulating blood sugar levels. The topic also covers the causes and treatments of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
02Chemical Analysis and the Atmosphere
This unit delves into analytical chemistry techniques and the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere. Students will evaluate human impacts on the environment, including climate change and atmospheric pollutants.
Students learn to distinguish between pure substances and mixtures, and understand the importance of formulations. Practical skills in paper chromatography are developed to separate and identify substances.
An exploration of how the Earth's atmosphere has changed over billions of years. Students will analyse evidence for the early atmosphere and the role of photosynthesis in oxygen production.
Students investigate the greenhouse effect and the impact of human activities on global warming. The topic encourages critical evaluation of the evidence for climate change and its potential effects.
03Forces and Motion
Students investigate the fundamental principles of forces, motion, and Newton's laws. The unit emphasises mathematical application and practical investigations into acceleration and braking.
An introduction to the distinction between scalar and vector quantities, focusing on distance, displacement, speed, and velocity. Students will learn to represent vectors using scale diagrams.
A comprehensive study of Newton's First, Second, and Third Laws. Students will apply the equation F=ma to various scenarios and understand the concept of inertia.
Students explore the factors affecting stopping distance, including thinking distance and braking distance. The topic covers the physics of vehicle safety and the impact of speed on kinetic energy.
04Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
This unit covers the principles of genetics, the causes of variation, and the theory of evolution by natural selection. Students will explore how characteristics are inherited and how species adapt over time.
An overview of sexual and asexual reproduction, meiosis, and the structure of DNA. Students will understand the concept of the genome and its importance in medicine.
Students learn to use Punnett squares to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses. The topic covers dominant and recessive alleles, and the inheritance of sex and genetic disorders.
An investigation into genetic and environmental variation, and Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Students will examine the evidence for evolution, including the fossil record and antibiotic resistance.
05Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Students explore the properties of magnets, magnetic fields, and the principles of electromagnetism. The unit highlights the application of the motor effect in everyday devices.
A study of magnetic poles, magnetic fields, and the difference between permanent and induced magnets. Students will map magnetic fields using compasses.
Students investigate how electric currents produce magnetic fields and how solenoids enhance this effect. The topic covers the construction and uses of electromagnets.
An exploration of the forces exerted on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. Students will use Fleming's left-hand rule to predict the direction of force and understand how electric motors work.