At Ellesmere Port Catholic High School the Key Stage 3 Curriculum is taught in three years and the key stage 4 curriculum is taught in 2 years. Pupils also have the option to study Triple Science. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught in key stage 5. 

The principal focus of science teaching at Ellesmere Port Catholic High School is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The Curriculum is designed so that key concepts are revisited at key points throughout the key stages so that pupils in depth knowledge and understanding of scientific processes and concepts develops over time. The teaching of science allows pupils to begin to see the connections between the three subject areas and become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding.   

The curriculum design and provision at key stage three and four is broad and balanced, with clear end points and knowledge and skills that have been built upon and developed throughout the curriculum. Cultural capital is developed at all key stages and gives pupils the essential knowledge that they need to become educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been said and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement. 

At Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, the Science Department teaches the Key Stage 3 Curriculum in three years’ worth of study in order to build a solid foundation of pupils’ understanding of high-quality science education through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. The government has outlined compulsory and recommended topics for Scientific study for learners, which are adhered to in Ellesmere Port Catholic High School’s Science curriculum focus.

The principal focus of science teaching in key stage 3 is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The Key Stage 3 Science Curriculum at Ellesmere Port Catholic High School allows pupils to begin to see the connections between these subject areas and become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding. The Key Stage 3 Science Curriculum follows the aims of the national curriculum, to ensure that all pupils develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them and finally that all pupils are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Combined Science: 

The principal focus of Combined Science in key stage 4 is to build upon and deepen scientific knowledge and understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Combined Science covers concepts that provide the foundations for understanding the natural world and will enhance students’ lives in an increasingly technological society. Science is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all students are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Students are helped to appreciate the achievements of science in showing how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world.  

Triple Science: 

The principal focus of Combined Science in key stage 4 is to build upon and deepen scientific knowledge and understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. For students studying Triple Science in key stage 4, a platform is provided for more advanced studies, establishing the basis for a wide range of careers.  

Triple Science covers concepts that extend the understanding of the natural world and will enhance students’ lives in an increasingly technological society. Science is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all students are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Students are helped to appreciate the achievements of science in showing how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world.  

Biology: 

The intent of the Biology curriculum at key stage five is to encourage students to question and develop themselves beyond being able to answer exam questions in the subject. The Biology course uses the principles in science to build student’s wider subject knowledge and understanding thereby helping them create the appropriate links across the discipline to better articulate their understanding. Students are expected to carry out practical work in each topic, where it is appropriate, in a responsible manner and record data effectively in order to be able to analyse it and draw conclusions from it. Students find that the course offers them an insight to professions open to them as careers as well providing other opportunities to develop their interest for the subject. Students deepen their knowledge and skills of planning, analysis and evaluation.  

Chemistry: 

The intent of the Chemistry curriculum at key stage 5 is to learn how to be objective, analytical, methodical, process and in turn solve problems. The course aims to help students appreciate that chemistry is fundamental to our world and touches almost every aspect of our existence. Students are expected to carry out practical work in each topic, where it is appropriate, in a responsible manner and record data effectively in order to be able to analyse it and draw conclusions from it. Students find that the course offers them an insight to professions open to them as careers as well providing other opportunities to develop their interest for the subject. Students deepen their knowledge and skills of planning, analysis and evaluation.  

Physics: 

The curriculum intent of the Physics course is to inspire students to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with Physics. The course encourages students to develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other and develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills. Students are expected to carry out practical work in each topic, where it is appropriate, in a responsible manner and record data effectively in order to be able to analyse it and draw conclusions from it. Students develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject. Students deepen their knowledge and skills of planning, analysis and evaluation.