Psychology

Intent

In Psychology, we seek to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to become active, engaged, and well-educated citizens in a complex society, now and in the future. Students are encouraged to recognise the significance of Psychology in society on an everyday level and how they can apply their knowledge to a range of complex issues. There is a clear focus on analytical skills and the ability to critically evaluate previous and current research and how they apply to real-world issues. Further, students are empowered to develop balanced arguments with due regard to both psychological issues and debates and the need to apply their learning for the benefit of society. 

There is no area of employment where Psychology cannot benefit students; wherever people are involved, the skills and knowledge that Psychology provides bestows upon students a distinct advantage in providing them with applicable skills not only to understand their own behaviour but also those of their colleagues and their company. This in turn allows them to become informed, active and purposeful members of the workforce, capable of manifold contributions to the success of any organisation they associate with. 

How our subject contributes to personal development  

Our curriculum in Psychology supports the ethos of the school. We strive for happy, confident and successful students through a challenging and supportive curriculum. In addition to the fascinating topics taught, students learn how to draw synoptic links between them through the debates, issues and approaches that mark Psychology as a uniquely dynamic research science. We aim for our students to gain confidence and success through structured teaching and assessment, and we aim to foster their happiness through discovery, exploration and the development of an enquiring mind in a learning environment that values them for exactly who they are. 

Enrichment Opportunities and Wider Support 

• Research Methods Club, an after-school session focusing on the all-important research methods unit, which offers up to 30% of the overall grade.  

• Students are given many study resources, including podcasts, online learning platforms, examiners' reports, exam question exemplars, guidance and revision videos, unit summaries and key terms banks.