KS3 & KS4 science curriculum

This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Stem cells and differentiation, where they explored how cells specialise and develop. It deepens their understanding by focusing on the role of hormones in human reproduction, including how hormonal regulation affects processes like puberty and fertility. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Plant growth and development, where they will apply their knowledge of hormonal regulation to explore how hormones control growth and development in plants, reinforcing the concept of hormonal control across living organisms.

1. Hormones: puberty, the menstrual cycle and the menopause
2. Hormonal control of the menstrual cycle
3. Hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception
4. Using hormones to treat infertility

• The structures and functions of the human male and female reproductive systems.
• The human body has an endocrine system that uses hormones to control changes in the body.
• During puberty the male and female human bodies undergo changes, which are brought about by sex hormones.
• Adult human females have a menstrual cycle that prepares them for sexual reproduction.
• The roles of ovulation and fertilisation in sexual reproduction in humans.