Guide
GCSE science required practicals: what you actually need to know
A clear student guide to what required practicals are, how practical skills are examined, why your exam board matters and what to revise for written questions.
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Subject guidance for students
Clear guides to what different subjects involve, the skills they build and practical ways to feel more confident in lessons.
Guide directory
Guides in Subject guidance for students
Choose the guide that matches the subject or skill you want to understand next.
13 published guides available.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 Art and Design: what you learn and how to improve
Understand sketchbooks, artist research, materials, projects, key words, GCSE links and simple ways to build confidence in Art and Design.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 Citizenship: what it is, what you learn and how to do well
A clear student guide to democracy, rights, law, voting, active citizenship and the classroom skills that make Citizenship useful beyond school.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 Computing: what you learn and how to get better
A friendly guide to coding, algorithms, data, networks, online safety, digital projects and the skills that help you feel more confident in Computing.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 Design and Technology: what you learn and how to improve
Understand what D&T is, what can happen in Years 7 to 9, how to improve your ideas, and why the subject matters beyond the classroom.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 English: what you learn and how to improve
Find out what English covers in Years 7, 8 and 9, how lessons build your skills, and what to try when reading, writing or speaking feels difficult.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 Geography: what you learn and how to feel confident
A student-friendly guide to Geography in Years 7, 8 and 9 in England, including topics, map skills, fieldwork, revision, real-life examples and GCSE links.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 History: what you study and how to get better
Understand the topics, questions and skills you may meet in Years 7–9, with simple key terms, source-work tips and revision ideas.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 Mathematics: what you learn and how to get unstuck
Understand the main KS3 maths topics, why they matter outside school, what progress looks like and how to handle tricky questions with more confidence.
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Guide
KS3 Modern Foreign Languages: what you learn and how to get better
Modern Foreign Languages is about using another language to understand people, places, ideas and culture — not just memorising word lists.
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Guide
KS3 Music: what you learn and how to feel more confident
A clear guide to what you may learn in Years 7 to 9, how music lessons work, and how to get better at listening, performing and composing.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 Physical Education: what you learn in KS3 PE
A student-friendly guide to PE in Years 7, 8 and 9: topics, progress, common worries, GCSE links and ways to feel more confident.
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Guide
Key Stage 3 Science: what you learn and how to feel more confident
A friendly guide to biology, chemistry, physics, working scientifically and the habits that help you improve in Years 7, 8 and 9.
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