Learner
⚙️
🔬
Year 11Key Stage 4 (GCSE)Ages 15–16 (Year 11 UK)

Year 11 GCSE Science (Paper 2 Mastery) Curriculum UK

Year 11 completes GCSE Paper 2 content: Homeostasis and response (nervous system, endocrine, kidneys), inheritance, variation and evolution, rate of chemical change, organic chemistry (alkanes, alkenes, cracking, polymers), atmospheric chemistry, forces (Newton’s laws), waves, and magnetism.

Statutory Key Aims & Expected Attainment:
  • Explain how the nervous system and endocrine system coordinate responses via reflex arcs and feedback loops
  • Calculate rates of reaction from tangent gradients on graphs and apply collision theory
  • Name, draw, and write equations for hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, combustion, and cracking
  • Apply Newton’s three laws of motion, calculate momentum (p = mv), and wave speed (v = fλ)
🇬🇧 Crown Copyright • OGL v3.0 Free License100% Free & Open Source Educational Access

Curriculum Specification & Statutory Documents

📄Official Government PDF
Source: UK DfE Secondary National Curriculum (Key Stages 3 & 4) — Official Crown Copyright PDFNo login required • Free distribution under Open Government Licence

Essential Formulas, Key Rules & Frameworks for Year 11 GCSE Science (Paper 2 Mastery)

Wave Equation: Wave Speed (v) = Frequency (f) × Wavelength (λ)
Newton’s Second Law: Resultant Force (F) = Mass (m) × Acceleration (a)
Momentum Formula: Momentum (p) = Mass (m) × Velocity (v)
Alkanes General Formula: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ | Alkenes General Formula: CₙH₂ₙ

Term-by-Term Units of Study & Learning Outcomes

Term 1

Autumn Term: Homeostasis, Rate of Reaction & Forces

Homeostasis & Reflex Arcs (Biology Paper 2)

Sensory, relay, and motor neurons; synapse neurotransmitters; blood glucose control via insulin and glucagon.

Statutory Learning Outcomes:
  • Trace a reflex arc from stimulus to response
  • Explain negative feedback in blood glucose regulation
#Homeostasis#Neuron#Synapse#Reflex arc#Insulin#Glucagon

Rates of Reaction & Catalysts (Chemistry Paper 2)

Collision theory, activation energy, surface area, temperature, concentration, and catalysts.

Statutory Learning Outcomes:
  • Draw tangents to curves to calculate instantaneous rate of reaction
#Collision theory#Activation energy#Catalyst#Tangent
Term 2

Spring Term: Organic Chemistry, Waves & Electromagnetism

Organic Chemistry & Cracking (Chemistry Paper 2)

Fractional distillation of crude oil; alkanes (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂); alkenes (CₙH₂ₙ); catalytic and steam cracking.

Statutory Learning Outcomes:
  • Distinguish alkanes and alkenes using bromine water test (turns from orange to colourless)
#Hydrocarbon#Alkane#Alkene#Cracking#Fractional distillation

Waves, Sound & The Motor Effect (Physics Paper 2)

Transverse vs longitudinal waves; electromagnetic spectrum; Fleming’s left-hand rule and electric motors.

Statutory Learning Outcomes:
  • Use wave equation: v = f × λ
  • Apply Fleming’s left-hand rule to find direction of force
#Transverse#Longitudinal#Electromagnetic spectrum#Motor effect
Term 3

Summer Term: Terminal GCSE Examinations

Paper 1 & Paper 2 Comprehensive Review

Timed past papers across Biology (Papers 1 & 2), Chemistry (Papers 1 & 2), and Physics (Papers 1 & 2).

Statutory Learning Outcomes:
  • Score across 6-mark extended response questions integrating multiple sciences
#6-mark question#Required practical#Terminal exam
📖

Free Open-Source Learning Resources & Video Masterclasses

Handpicked curriculum resources aligned with UK Department for Education standards.

Video MasterclassFree ↗
Free Science Lessons Paper 2 GCSE Complete Playlist
Self-Assessment CheckInstant diagnostic questions

GCSE Science (Paper 2 Mastery) Key Concept Drills

Q1.A sound wave has a frequency of 500 Hz and a wavelength of 0.68 m. What is its speed?
← Back to Year 11 Curriculum OverviewAll UK Years (1–11) Directory →