do all schools follow the same curriculum?

[Strugglingtodomybest]

Stupid question I expect, but I want to look at the curriculum for science and see what my year 7 DC is supposed to be learning but I don't know where to start.

Maintained schools have to follow the national curriculum. Academies, free schools and private schools don't

There isn't a specific set of objectives for year 7 in the curriculum though. The ks3 science curriculum covers years7-9 but it's up to the school to decide how they organise that content.

The CGP KS3 science guide would give you a pretty good overview of the sorts of topics you would expect to be covered, but as stated above you wouldn't be able to turn round and say 'why haven't you taught X yet'.
A reasonable school should be willing to give you a list of topics though, if you contact the science teacher or the HoD (maybe wait a couple of weeks until after GCSEs).

Thinking about it, you might be able to find the list of topics on the school website.

Thanks for replying. I've had a look on the school website and can't see it there, but the websites a mess anyway so no surprise there.

There isn't a specific set of objectives for year 7 in the curriculum though.

I didn't know that, that's interesting.

Right, I'm off to buy that study guide recommended above.