Psychology Curriculum

Approaches 

Research methods part 1: The experiment 

Memory 

Psychopathology 

Psychopathology continued 

Attachment  

Biopsychology part 1 

Social influence 

Research methods continued

Research methods continued 

Attachment continued  

Debates and issues 

Approaches part 2 

Biopsychology part 2 

Research methods part 2  

Relationships 

Schizophrenia 

Addiction 

Year 12

The topics covered in Year 12 are delivered in an order that is very different from the textbook.  

• Approaches and research methods part 1 are covered first.  These topics provide the context for the rest of the course 
• Memory is a stand alone topic that BCO can teach during his 1 period with Year 12.  It also links to the Approaches, so helps reinforce knowledge learnt in that topic 
• Psychopathology follows on from Approaches as it applies knowledge from that topic to mental illnesses 
• Research methods is broken up into three parts.  This helps maintain engagement on the least interesting part of the course.  Each part is introduced at a time when it is contextually relevant to other topics being covered (e.g. observation research is an important part of the Attachment topic, so the research methods topics that deal with observations are covered at the same time as Attachment)  

1. Resource creation
2. Retrieval practice
3. Deliberate practice (exam questions)
4. Metacognition

1. Students are taught how to make flashcard notes.  These are set routinely and checked at set points throughout the year.
2. Students are taught retrieval techniques (cued recall and free recall). These are set as a routine HL.
3. Students are taught about the nature of deliberate practice (having a clear goal/repetition/feedback/maximum effort and focus). They are then given resources to enable deliberate practice in respect of exam questions, with feedback material provided.
4. Students are taught about metacognition (planning / monitoring / evaluation / re-planning) and are taught how to apply this all other subject specific habits through self-monitoring.  This process is supervised by the teacher.

A Curricular and Pastoral commitment to Micah 6v8: Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.

High Expectations of students’ behaviour for learning, learning progress and respect for our community.

A commitment to make learning enjoyable, engaging, relevant and challenging.

A commitment to develop knowledge, skills and character.

Consistency and fairness in approach and routines.

Excellent and developing subject knowledge which inspires confidence in students.

Effective collaboration across all parts of the Academy.

Highly skilled teaching which deepens understanding and stimulates curiosity.

A willingness to embrace research and innovation in order to enhance the learning potential of our students.

Psychology is a subject which encourages a respect for humanity. The subject helps pupils understand how the behaviour of every person has an origin in factors that are beyond control. This encourages acceptance.

Lessons are designed to maximise understanding and engagement is the foundation of this. Lessons involve are problem-based and require students to work together to reach the answer by themselves.

A Level psychology requires students to retain a significant amount of knowledge. This requires motivation and willpower. These are psychological concepts that students are explicitly taught about, and how to utilise them.

Psychology’s main teacher has been engaged in research through CAMSTAR, and the results of this research have fed back into the teaching of A Level Psychology.

An understanding of habits (the relationship between the cycle of cues, routines and rewards) has informed how independent learning is taught in A Level Psychology.

Curriculum Content Opportunities

Curriculum Delivery Opportunities

Various topics emphasise the value of kindness in supporting those with mental health issues (e.g., the role of a supportive therapist).

Class debates

Group discussions

Essay preparation and completion