The purpose of our Psychology curriculum is to inspire pupils in the understanding of the mind and human behaviour. We provide students with thought-provoking areas of study that aim to challenge their existing views and give them confidence and ability to change or affirm these. Through the study of Psychology, students are encouraged to become curious about a range of factors that influence our behaviours, challenging their own thoughts.  Students will be able to evaluate a range of social–biological–cognitive explanations for all types of behaviour and to draw conclusions about behaviours based on a forensic evaluation of research to conclude which approaches they view as being the most useful.

Psychology students will understand a range of key theories covering a range of social, cognitive, biological, developmental and individual differences.  Students will be able to articulate the different positions regarding key debates within Psychology, including free will vs determinism and reductionism vs holism.

Students will build an appreciation of how psychological research is conducted.  They will develop a significant level of independent primary and secondary research skills which will act as a springboard for further training both within the Psychology discipline or other fields. Students will evaluate key studies and theories to become well-informed consumers of research, enabling them to form opinions about our wider world and become excellent critical thinkers.

Students develop wisdom through numerical literacy by thinking critically about statistics, findings and evidence and reflect on the strengths and limitations of using these.  This is developed across both key stages to enable students to plan and design research investigations considering ethical and practical elements of psychological research.

Studying Psychology provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their own behaviour and the behaviour of others. It challenges the stigma around mental health issues and neuro-diversity to create citizens who are kind and respectful of others. By exploring emotionally challenging topics, students will develop the courage to consider the views and behaviour of others. Students will therefore be able to analyse the world and individuals around them in new ways, incorporating a myriad of approaches and asking questions about the nature of human agency.

Please click on the link below to see a Curriculum Overview of Key Stages 4 and 5.  This details the goals for each key stage, what students will be learning in lessons and an articulation of the wider curriculum.