Key Stage 2 Science Topics

This is taught to children aged between 7 and 11, during Years 3 to 6. 

Unlike the KS1 SATs, at KS2 the tests which children take are set and marked externally, so that the results are used to measure the school’s performance (removing any possibility of bias). Each child’s results are used together with their teacher’s assessment to offer parents a broader picture of their attainment and academic ability.

The tests are taken in May, and parents receive the results, plus the teacher assessments, in July.

Key Stage 3 Science Topics

When children progress to secondary school, they begin with KS3, during Years 7 to 9 when they are 11 to 14 years of age.

Key Stage 3 covers the first three years of secondary education. The curriculum at this stage involves core statutory subjects, where religious education and sex education must be included.

SATs at the end of KS3 were scrapped in 2010. Instead, there are formal teacher assessments in all of the key subjects.

Key Stage 4 Science Topics

Children aged between 14 and 16 in Years 10 to 11 are taught at KS4 level, which is the final stage of the school curriculum. The assessment for KS4 involves children sitting GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations, or other national qualifications.