SubjectsPsychology

Our Curriculum Intent

In Psychology, the department aims to teach and encourage students to ask questions about the mind and behaviour. Students need to be analytical and critical of research that they cover in their specification. The study of Psychology and its concepts allows students to construct arguments and supports them in becoming analytical thinkers who can question human motivation and behaviour. Students should feel confident in applying the skills taught and be enthusiastic practitioners looking to pursue a career or University course in the subject. This course looks to maximise the full potential of each student and provides opportunity for self-reflection and evaluation throughout.

The Key stage 5 curriculum in Psychology is characterised by key skills and questions throughout the topics covered.  Given the more demanding nature of this A Level course, there is an expectation for all key questions to be answered within a cycle. For example in Year 12 Cycle 3, students are required to answer all of the following questions: ‘should we conform to fit in? Are we responsible for our behaviour? How can a minority influence a majority to change the world for the better?’ In order to answer these key questions students must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological theories on conformity and obedience etc., apply psychological theories, approaches and evidence to the key questions and analyse and evaluate psychological theories, approaches and evidence in order to present arguments, make judgements and draw conclusions, all of which are the key skills for this course. This deeper level of understanding is required to ensure that all students are prepared for the next phase of their careers– whether this be directly into a job role, further training or University.

Implementation

The Psychology department currently delivers the AQA specification at A Level. This qualification is designed to offer students the opportunity to experience a broad range of topic areas from a variety of psychological perspectives and approaches.

Psychology is an option subject and as a result students with a range of abilities will be in the same class. The department follows the Academy’s structure of cycles and mock examinations are used throughout the year to assess progress, in line with the Academy’s assessment calendar.

The department is committed to the Academy’s teaching principles and regularly attends the teaching and learning briefings, as well as contributing to various topics within these briefings throughout the academic year. Within the lessons, students are taught using a variety of means including the use of lesson PowerPoints, group discussions, independent study and research, case study application and mock examinations.

Students are also provided the opportunity to increase their cultural capital via the use of extra-curricular activities throughout Key Stage 5. During Cycle 4, Year 12 students are able to attend a Social Sciences festival at the University of Gloucestershire which encourages students to begin to think about the future career paths and potential University courses. This visit will also aid with the writing of UCAS applications and provide valuable insight into the expectations of studying a Psychology related degree at University. The Psychology department has also attended the Cheltenham Science Festival, resulting in students being the beneficiaries of a talk about the latest research developments in crime. This experience has direct links to the key questions in Year 12 Cycle 3, as above, and Year 12 Cycle 4 including ‘can we trust research?’

Impact

Students are monitored regularly and student work and achievement is assessed, reviewed and tracked at least twice a cycle. Students are then provided with the opportunity to amend, adapt or resubmit work in accordance with the Academy’s assessment policy. Assessment provides students opportunities to identify areas of improvement by themselves and encourages self-reflective and motivated learners. Academic results within the department are progressing well, with positive value-added scores becoming the norm.

Outside of traditional progress measures, the department is successful in its impact on chosen careers of students. Many students at Key stage 5 go on to study a Psychology related course at University or secure a job role relating to the subject after completion of the A Level. For example, since 2017, 2 Psychology alumni have gone on to study Law and Criminology at University, 8 have gone on to study Psychology and 3 have gone on to study Forensic Psychology. Students are empowered to achieve these goals due to their successful acquisition of the key skills throughout the Psychology curriculum.  

The impact of our Academy Vision, and Christian values within the Psychology curriculum results in students feeling happy and equipped to express themselves as individuals, have confidence in celebrating their successes and support one another through the challenges they face or may face in the 21st century.