1. Forces and pressure
8 pointsResultant force
Hooke's law
Extension and force
Friction and drag
Pressure in solids
Pressure in liquids
Pressure in gases
Floating and sinking in simple form
UK, Cambridge, A Level and IB / KS3 Year 8
Physics
Physics Year 8: detailed curriculum by unit, chapters, skills, practice, and verification sources.
How it works
Link each topic to equations, units, data handling, and required practical thinking.
Status
KS3 practical split - verify with the school's scheme of work
Physics Year 8: detailed curriculum by unit, chapters, skills, practice, and verification sources.
UK, Cambridge, A Level and IBYear 8Physics
Detailed curriculum
The syllabus is split into units, chapters, and small subtopics so students can see what is covered and what remains.
Unit 1Curriculum6 chapters+
Theory, examples, and practice
2. Motion graphs
4 pointsSpeed calculations
Distance-time graphs
Relative motion introduction
Interpreting gradients in simple cases
3. Energy and thermal physics
9 pointsEnergy transfers
Power
Energy bills
Efficiency
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Thermal equilibrium
Insulation
4. Waves
9 pointsWave features
Amplitude
Wavelength
Frequency
Reflection
Refraction
Absorption
Sound and hearing
Ultrasound introduction
5. Electricity and magnetism
10 pointsCurrent
Potential difference
Resistance
Measuring current and voltage
Series circuits
Parallel circuits
Static electricity
Magnets
Electromagnets
Motor effect demonstration
6. Matter and space
8 pointsDensity
Gas pressure
Changes of state
Internal energy in simple terms
Solar system
Gravity
Orbits
Stars introduction
What you must know
These skills are the practical checklist before a test, lesson request, or tutor session.
1Forces and pressure
2Motion graphs
Recommended practice
Common mistakes
Worked examples
Homework and practice
Related daily material
NEXT STEP
Sources and verification
Based on the England National Curriculum KS3 framework, split into practical Year 7/8/9 pages.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-15