Psychology

Curriculum Intent

Psychology-Intent.pdf

Curriculum Map

Psychology-Curriculum-Map-.pdf

Curriculum Journey

Year-9-Psychology-Learning-Journey.pdf

Year-10-Psychology-Learning-Journey.pdf

Year-11-Psychology-Learning-Journey.pdf

Year-12-Psychology-Learning-Journey.pdf

13B-Psychology-Learning-Journey.pdf

13E-Psychology-Learning-Journey.pdf

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and its functions that can help to explain human behaviour. Psychology is taught from Year 9 through to Year 13 and covers a wide range of aspects in the world of Psychology.

During the GCSE and A Level courses, students may have the experience of designing and/or conducting informal classroom research using a variety of methods. They will analyse the data collected in investigations and draw their conclusions based on research findings. These are conducted in a safe and secure environment.

GCSE

The GCSE course provides students with an insight to the subject and the foundations for further study in Psychology. The exam board for this course is AQA and further information can be found on the AQA website (www.aqa.org.uk).

The GCSE course covers the following areas:

• Memory
• Perception
• Development
• Research Methods
• Social Influence
• Language, Thought and Communication
• Brain and Neuropsychology
• Psychological Problems

A LEVEL

This course provides students with an extension to the subject content covered at GCSE and the basis for further study in Psychology at University. The exam board for this course is also AQA.

The A Level course covers the following areas:

• Memory
• Social Influence
• Attachment
• Psychopathology
• Approaches in Psychology
• Biopsychology
• Research Methods
• Issues and Debates in Psychology
• Gender
• Schizophrenia
• Forensic Psychology

The study of Psychology throughout the GCSE and A Level courses encourages students to develop as learners in the following ways:

• Engage in the process of psychological enquiry to develop as effective and independent students, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
• Develop an awareness of why Psychology matters, acquire knowledge and understanding of how Psychology works, and its essential role in society
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between Psychology and social, cultural, scientific and contemporary issues and its impact on everyday life
• Develop an understanding of ethical issues in Psychology
• Develop an understanding of the contribution of Psychology to individual, social and cultural diversity
• Develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods

In order to succeed in Psychology, students must have the following qualities:

• Have good analytical and Maths skills in order to understand and explain the variety of data analysis from research
• Be able to work independently to prepare for lessons and complete Home Learning tasks
• Be prepared to complete reading around the content of lessons on a regular basis
• Be able to develop extended answers to exam questions using coherent language to portray their point of view

Psychology provides students with a number of employment opportunities when they leave school or after studying Psychology further at University. These include the following to name a few:

• Child Care Worker
• Child Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Cognitive Psychologist
• Counselling
• Criminal Investigator
• Educational Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Military Psychologist
• Neurologist
• Police Officer
• Psychiatrist
• Teacher
• Social Worker
• Sports Psychologist
• University Lecturer

Mrs O Holman

Head of Psychology