The changes in science and geography are in line with the remit that the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority was given in February 2005 when it was asked to review the Key Stage 3 curriculum. Although some of the language in the draft programmes of study has been changed, the extent of the subject content remains the same. These changes have been made to ensure that pupils can progress from their Key Stage 2 understanding through Key Stage 3 to a point where they can progress to Key Stage 4.
The following table covers the inclusion of the specific topics in the new Key Stage 3 programmes of study for science and geography.
Topic Where it will be covered in the new Key Stage 3 science or geography programmes of study (a) role of lung structure in gas exchange Science—Range and content—Organisms, behaviour and health bullet 1 (respiration is a life process) (b) tectonic processes Geography—pupils to learn about how human and physical processes shape places, landscapes and societies (c) geomorphological processes Science—New section in Range and content—The environment Earth and Universe Geography—pupils to learn about how human and physical processes shape places, landscapes and societies (d) weather and climate Geography—pupils to carry out studies that involve physical geography and physical processes—this should include study of weather and climate. (e) ecosystems Science—New section in range and content—The environment Earth and Universe Geography—pupils to learn about how human and physical processes shape places, landscapes and societies (f) population distribution and change Science—Some precursor work in new section in range and content—The environment Earth and Universe Geography—pupils carry out studies that involve human geography, built and managed environments and human processes (g) the growth and development of settlements Geography—pupils to learn about how human and physical processes shape places, landscapes and societies (h) specific properties of light and sound Range and content—Energy, electricity and forces, explanatory text (the properties and behaviour of light and sound)