Science
Department Staff
Introduction
At Lincoln Castle Academy, Science is taught as a single subject to Year 7 and Year 8 pupils, and in Year 9 the pupils experience the three ATs with specialist teachers as far as possible. All pupils are put into sets when entering the school, and progress is regularly monitored with termly tests as well as regular assessments. The Double Award Modular Science Course is followed at Key Stage 4 by all pupils whilst A-Level courses in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
The Science Department comprises a suite of seven laboratories, six of which have been fully refurbished in recent years, and a teaching room. The preparation and storage areas are supplemented by two large staff work rooms where every teacher in the department has a desk and storage facilities for personal use.
The Science Department is led by a Head of Science and has 8 full time teaching staff and two laboratory technicians. The supporting management structure is defined by National Curriculum Key Stages, with teachers in charge of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Currently four teachers take the responsibility to give guidance and leadership in the three specialised subjects at A-Level, as well as being expected to suggest solutions or approaches to teaching at any Key Stage level within their own specialised fields.
Department Successes
2017 A-Level Results
2017 KS4 Results
Curriculum
Year 7 and 8 are our keystage 3 years.
They have 4 lessons a week which includes 1 lesson of STEM weekly.
The STEM classes include practical, problem solving and project work to boost aspiration and engagement in Science Technology Engineering and Maths.
Key Stage 3 Topics
YEAR 7
ARC 1
Investigation: burning food
Solid, liquid, gas
YEAR 7
ARC 2
Elements, compounds and mixtures
Forces
YEAR 7
ARC 3
Relationships in the environment
Electricity and magnetism
YEAR 7
ARC 4
Energy resources
Food for life
YEAR 7
ARC 5
Cells and organ systems
Light and sound
YEAR 7
ARC 6
Forces and motion
Environmental chemistry
YEAR 8
ARC 1
Reproduction
Nanochemistry and new materials
YEAR 8
ARC 2
Photosynthesis and respiration
Rocks, the rock cycle and earth science
YEAR 8
ARC 3
Electricity and magnetism extension
Health and disease, genetics and variation
YEAR 8
ARC 4
Space
Reactivity of materials
YEAR 8
ARC 4
Ecology, photosynthesis, respiration
Acids and alkali
YEAR 8
ARC 6
Energy and waves
Rates of reaction
Years 9, 10 and 11 are Key Stage 4, they have 4 lessons per week.
Most students follow AQA Combined Science Trilogy, they study all three sciences and sit terminal exams at the end of year 11 to receive two grades.
The course also includes required practicals which are delivered throughout these are formal practical tasks recorded into assessment books.
Our most able GCSE students follow triple science.
These students receive 6 lessons per week and again assessed through terminal exams however they will receive a qualification/grade in each discipline so three.
| Year 9 | Term 1-3 | Term 4-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | Cell biology | Organisation |
| Chemistry | Atomic structure and the periodic table | Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter |
| Physics | Energy | Electricity |
| Year 10 | Term 1-2 | Term 3-4 | Term 5-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | Infection and response | Bioenergetics |
Homeostasis and response Year 10 exam |
| Chemistry |
Quantitative chemistry Chemical changes |
Energy changes The rate and extent of chemical changes |
Organic chemistry Year 10 exam |
| Physics | Particle model of matter | Atomic structure |
Forces Year 10 exam |
| Year 11 | Term 1-2 | Term 3-4 | Term 5-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | Inheritance, variation and evolution | Ecology | Revision |
| Chemistry | Chemical analysis |
Chemistry of the atmosphere Using resources |
Revision |
| Physics | Waves |
Magnetism and electromagnetism Space physics |
Revision |
All of our students in all three disciplines have only 4 lessons per week.
In the case of biology and chemistry this is split between 2 teachers. In physics this is one teacher. The examinations are terminal at the end of the two year course, in year 13.
As well as separate A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, we also offer BTEC National Applied Science Extended certificate. This course comprises of 4 units:
- Principles and Applications of Science
- Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
- Science Investigation Skills
- Physiology of Human Body Systems
The course still spans for 2 years, just as with the A-level courses, but comprised of assignments as well as an external written exam.
Our Ethos and Values
At Lincoln Castle Academy, we value:
Hard work, perseverance and academic excellence
The development of character, compassion and responsible citizenship
Ourselves, each other and boundless ambition