PSYCHOLOGY

“In life, particularly in public life, psychology is more powerful than logic.”

– Ludwig Quidde


"Psychology, unlike chemistry, unlike algebra, unlike literature, is an owner's manual for your own mind. It's a guide to life. What could be more important than grounding young people in the scientific information that they need to live happy, healthy, productive lives? To have good relationships?"

-Daniel Goldstein

OUR CURRICULUM INTENT


The intention of the Psychology curriculum at Aylward Academy is to promote the curiosity of the human body and mind by equipping learners with scientific knowledge, skills and vocabulary to develop a better understanding of themselves and the wider world. Learners will be empowered to make brave decisions and independently develop new ideas that better the quality of life for themselves and others.

SUBJECT CURRICULUM JOURNEY OVERVIEW

(Website) Psychology Curriculum Journey Map

STUDENT LEARNING RESOURCES & GUIDES

The button below will navigate to a series of resources which will support the development of skills and techniques and understanding of the subject.

KS5 EXAM BOARDS

Key Stage 5

At A Level we follow the AQA Psychology specification. The course is a demanding and rigorous, inclusive and an empowering subject. Life-long skills gained by studying psychology include: Numeracy (handling data and statistics) and Literacy; Critical evaluation; Logical thinking; Organisation; Problem solving; Time management; Research; and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Assessment is through external examinations after two years study. Students will take three exams that are made up of multiple choice, short and essay questions. The A level is broken up into 12 topics and assessed via examination.

In Year 1, students will study:

  1. Approaches in Psychology

  2. Psychopathology

  3. Memory

  4. Social Influence

  5. Attachment

  6. Research Methods

In Year 2, students will study:

  1. Issues and Debates within Psychology

  2. Schizophrenia

  3. Relationships

  4. Aggression

  5. Biopsychology

  6. Further Research Methods

PSYCHOLOGY WHOLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM CONTRIBUTION

What are the core skills students develop in our subject?

The course is a demanding and rigorous, inclusive and an empowering subject. Life-long skills gained by studying psychology include: Numeracy (handling data and statistics) and Literacy; Critical evaluation; Logical thinking; Organisation; Problem solving; Time management; Research; and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What are the big ideas in our subject?

  • Is psychology a discipline that perpetuates inequality?

  • Can we grow our brains?

  • Are differential levels of aggression due to individual differences?

  • How close are we to preventing schizophrenia?

  • How can our working memory work for us?

How do we ensure we support the development of core skills?

  • Have the ability to examine theoretical assumptions, consider sources and weigh up evidence.

  • Apply psychological theory and research to think, speak and write critically.

  • Apply psychological knowledge across a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

  • Analyse the contribution of psychological theory and research to the success of the economy and society.

  • Interrogate, examine and critically evaluate an array of investigative research evidence to improve its usefulness.

  • Critically think to arrive at conclusions to support findings or challenge popular beliefs.

What motivates and interests our students?

The diversity of Psychology as a discipline means that the lessons stay fresh and it offers a multitude of skills and challenges. The course provides students with knowledge of the origins of psychology from the; behaviourist, psychodynamic, cognitive and evolutionary schools of thought that inform Psychology as it is today, as well as the issues and debates that exist within this discipline.

How do we ensure consistency across the key stages?