Subject: Psychology

Hours taught per fortnight (KS5): 9

Students build upon their understanding of key psychological concepts and studies learned throughout the GCSE. Students delve deeper into psychological problems by exploring schizophrenia in detail and analysing biological, cognitive and behavioural explanations for phobias, depression and obsessive compulsive disorders. They also extend their understanding of research methods, memory and social influence by looking at key psychological studies and analysing them thoroughly. Psychology is a complex area of study, so during lessons teachers highlight the evolving nature of human development research, present multiple viewpoints, and acknowledge moral and ethical grey areas. Students engage wholeheartedly in debates and gain valuable listening and critical thinking skills. This is further supported by a broad and rich program of wider reading that encourages students to engage in the most contemporary debates and lines of enquiry linked to the study of Psychology.

Students of psychology become collaborative, empathetic citizens with self-awareness and insight. Students learn social and emotional skills like collaboration and communication, and master academic skills such as scientific research, use of statistics, referencing and report writing.

For a summary of the curriculum, please see the document below.