Curriculum - PSychology

Intent (based on the National Curriculum)

• Across RET schools the psychology curriculum is both academic and ambitious. Students will:

  1. develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.
  2. develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
  3. develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
  4. develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
  5. understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

  All schools follow the AQA specification. It is only taught at KS5.

  Implementation

  Students will be taught to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.
  2. Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:
     1. in a theoretical context
     2. in a practical context
     3. when handling qualitative data
     4. when handling quantitative data.
  3. Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
     1. make judgements and reach conclusions
     2. develop and refine practical design and procedures.

  Key Themes/Concepts

  All students study

  • social influence
  • memory
  • attachment
  • psychopathology
  • approaches in psychology
  • biopsychology
  • research methods
  • issues and debates in psychology

  and at least one from each list below

  relationships gender cognition and development

  schizophrenia eating behaviour stress

  aggression forensic psychology addiction

  Links to KS4:

  Psychology is taught at KS5 in the many of our RET schools. Knowledge and skills from mathematics, science, humanities and PSHE/citizenship from KS4 are useful.

  The A level course provides excellent preparation to further study of the subject in higher education.

  Extra-Curricular

  Examples include:

  • BFS
  • BKS: Student conferences, speakers (clinical psychologist), trip to Bethlam Hospital, Freud Museum (All TBC)
  • STA