Psychology

We have a vision for a Remarkable curriculum in Psychology where you will develop an appreciation of Psychology, broadening your knowledge and understanding of the mind and how it affects your thoughts, emotions and behaviour. 

Developing Moral Capital

Our moral capital in Psychology enables students the opportunity to understand their thoughts and emotions and reflect on how this can influence their own behaviour, as well as others. Psychology provides a curriculum that helps to develop students' own morality, as well as discuss sensitive issues such as gender, in an inclusive and respectful environment. Due to the issues discussed such as gender and mental health, this subject lends itself to students being open and honest about their thoughts and experiences and how they’ve influenced their behaviour, whilst also listening to others experiences also. It is ensured that these discussions are treated sensitively and respectfully and these are used as opportunities to develop individuals listening, communication and empathy skills.

Developing Social Capital

In Psychology we aim to build resilience of our students and make them experts in reflecting on their own and others behaviour to help them understand their world and people within it. Students are encouraged to discuss their opinions openly and honestly with other students, as well as their teacher, to develop their communication skills and their confidence in expressing their own opinion and listening to others. One element of the course encourages students to conduct their own research with their own participants to enable them to effectively communicate, present and develop relationships with others. 

Developing Cultural Capital

Psychology aims to identify a variety of behaviours and help understand and develop an awareness of how culture influences thoughts, emotions and widely how this then impacts behaviours. Students can broaden their knowledge of how mental health and views of psychopathology vary across different cultures and time, expanding their own perspectives and views of this specific issue. Naturally this subject lends itself to developing their awareness of their own culture and the impact this can have on their behaviour, but this occurs within a classroom environment where students can identify the different cultures within the classroom and reflect on how they differ from individuals, as well as understanding different cultural perspectives. 

Developing Knowledge Capital

Our psychology curriculum enables students to develop a variety of skills which are vital for them to succeed within the subject, as well as in their future. These skills are centred around written and verbal communication to successfully discuss concepts and theories which they have learned, as well as be able to discuss them competently with their peers and their teacher to help evidence their progress. Learners enhance their critical thinking skills surrounding key theories of behaviours and other concepts, the feasibility of these, as well as how they could be developed. They build a substantial subject-specific vocabulary in which they can use key-terms and will be encouraged to communicate their ideas in an efficient and formal manner which can adequately prepare them for their future.

Developing Community Capital

Students are encouraged to discuss and debate their beliefs and opinions within the classroom to enable them to develop a sense of self, but also develop a space that they’re confident to express their views within their own community. Students can explore their own experiences of the community and what they have observed to be able to apply their understanding and knowledge of the behaviours within the community as to why they occur and to behave. Students also make use of technology to create their own psychological community through online platforms, as well as take part in face-to-face events, to discuss their experiences of the subjects with parents, peers and prospective students. 

Curriculum Roadmaps

Key Stage 5

BTEC Psychology

The Applied Psychology (BTEC) contains an exciting range of units that explore the vast world of psychology.

You will develop knowledge and understanding of key approaches and theories in psychology and apply these to issues relevant to contemporary society, for example, lifestyle choices and unhealthy behaviours such as addiction.

You will learn about the types and characteristics of mental disorders, approaches to treatment, and the role of professionals in supporting and promoting mental health. In addition to exploring the scientific process in psychological research methodology through conducting your own psychological research project. 

58% external assessment and 42% internal assessment.