INTENT STATEMENT FOR SUBJECT AS A WHOLE
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.
KEY STAGE 3 INTENT STATEMENT
In May 2015 the National Curriculum was developed by government in order to ensure that pupils
were taught a variety of content that was to include; a high-quality science education that
provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology,
chemistry and physics
Ellesmere Port Catholic High School teaches the Key Stage 3 Curriculum in three years’ worth of
study in order to build a solid foundation pupils’ understanding at Key Stage 4, as the GCSE
Curriculum becomes even more challenging for pupils, with changes in assessment, examined for
the first time in summer 2018. 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.
KEY STAGE 4 INTENT STATEMENT (2X STATEMENTS FOR
SCIENCE WITH TRIPLE @ GCSE)
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
Chemistry
Physics
Combined Science
KEY STAGE 5 INTENT STATEMENT
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.