Psychology
Psychology is a subject which supports Pupils in enhancing their understanding of the world around them and human behaviour. From understanding the different approaches to understanding human behaviours such as phobias and OCD, childhood relationships and its effects on adult development or the complexities of gender and the human brain, Psychology will empower and enlighten you with the ability to empathise and create a deeper, insightful understanding of yourself and all those around you. As well as this, studying Psychological research will allow you to appreciate and understand the field of research, how research is conducted and its design.
Pupils will engage with Psychology through several areas of study. Pupils will learn how different approaches and perspectives can explain to topics such as Gender, Addiction and Abnormal behaviour. As well as this, pupils will study the different methods used to research on such topics. Topics will be introduced with clear and precise activities, helping to build on their prior knowledge and apply it to a real-life context. Regular homework will be set which allows pupils to access topic-based work and interactive lessons at home and in school. These are used to reinforce understanding both as homework and to support revision and consolidation of knowledge. Interactive class discussions and debates are often carried out to stimulate pupils learning.
Topics such as Social Influence where Pupils will study situational and dispositional factors that can explain human behaviour such as obedience and conformity will allow them to reflect on their experiences in society and others too. Furthermore, the study of Memory will allow them to appreciate cognitive processes and gain an in depth understanding of their cognition. Examining psychological research that has led to implications in wider society and in policy will enable pupils to think critically and connect what they learn in lesson to the wider world.
Research Methods is essential in creating and studying psychological research. Understanding the different methods of research, its processes, statistical tests and data analysis is an important skill-set pupils will acquire over their course of study. To be able to analyse, evaluate and apply research methods to topics they will cover and to wider research is crucial for any course they would like to pursue after A levels.
Pupils at the end of year 12, will have the opportunity to carry out a research project of their choice using all knowledge learned during course. This will enhance their skillset of project management, team work, time management as well as many research skills. This will be of use for any course they choose to go on at University.
Psychology develops a skillset that is highly valued within many different professions. Human Resources, Medicine, Counselling, Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Healthcare, Neuroscience and Law.
Pupils with SEND are offered a wide, aspirational and ambitious curriculum across all subject areas through the All Stars Succeed strategy which emphasises the importance of Quality First Teaching. Every teacher has been trained on the understanding of pupil needs and implementation of high-impact adaptive strategies to enable pupils with SEND to make excellent progress, such as the use of High 5 strategies (informed by research conducted by the EEF) to create an inclusive environment in their teaching spaces. Moreover, the subject-specific All Stars Succeed charters allow for the implementation of subject-specific support in the classroom to help pupils overcome their barriers.
Collaboration between Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and classroom practitioners on MS Teams before, during and after a lesson is a pivotal mechanism to ensure there is a coordinated approach towards support for pupils with SEND. This is evidenced with a purple pen in student books.
Star Maps are created in collaboration with the SENCO, class teachers, pupils and parents advising on strategies to help break down any barriers to learning. Strategies include adaptive teaching methods that are specific to a particular need as well as subject-specific adaptive teaching methods for subjects in which a pupil may find additional challenge due to his need. Star Maps are reviewed on a termly basis strategies by teachers, parents and pupils. These meetings are led by members of the senior leadership team. Star Maps support pupils with a variety of needs including, visual impairment, cognition and learning difficulties, physical disabilities, speech, language and communication difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
Ancillary aids and assistive technologies are also utilised to enhance provision and ensure access. Learning aids are deployed to specific pupils with SEN, particularly those with visual impairments and difficulties with writing. Pupils are provided with a mobile learning device to aid research, independent working and innovative approaches to learning. Pupils are also given access to a Virtual Learning Environment through Microsoft Teams and Microsoft
OneNote to access resources and complete learning at school and at home with a device.
Specialist careers advice is provided by New Directions to prepare pupils with SEND for further education and transition to adult life.
Psychology offers great potential for leadership; be that through teamwork in lessons and stepping up to present the group’s case study on a given topic, or the completion of projects during the year and taking ownership by presenting to the class.
This is shown through the leadership framework by:
Showing Civic and Moral Leadership by learning about different perspectives on human behaviour and understanding how and why people are the way they are.
| Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology | Paper 2: Psychology in Context | Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology | |
| AS | • Attachment • Social influence • Memory |
• Research Methods • Approaches • Psychopathology |
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| A2 | • Research Methods • Approaches • Biopsychology |
• Issues and debate • Addiction • Gender • Stress |
In your son’s online OneNote and Folders, you will find a number of key documentation:
Visual Learning Journeys – An overview of the key knowledge he will study from Y12-13 and in your son’s specific year for each subject.
Student Course Guide – Signposting critical resources and key information for Pupils to succeed on the A-level Psychology course.