Psychology has two distinct aspects. Firstly, it is a scientific attempt to understand and explain human behaviour and this brings with it a large body of research. Secondarily it is an attempt to further what we know and understand through evidence-based research. Put together this means that to study Psychology our learners need to develop these core skills. Techniques for enquiry and data collection, tools for the analysis of the findings and then the ability to draw rational conclusions from their analysis. One of the challenges that Psychology students face is that, unlike other sciences, there is a variety of competing Psychological approaches. This is because Psychology challenges itself as part of its critical approach to knowledge and how it is gathered.

The learners will finish our course with both a better understanding of themselves and their world, but also a clearer understanding of how to design and conduct research projects. They will become more critical of sources of knowledge and understand the limitations within all techniques. Our curriculum options are designed to help them understand themselves better. As we have chosen units which we feel they are most likely to encounter as they leave school and go out into the world. Our approach to teaching and learning builds upon the science of learning, our curriculum is naturally spaced to allow for the interleaving of knowledge. There are regular opportunities for both low stakes knowledge reviews and formal assessments of progress. We integrate the 4Rs into our classroom practice and more extensively into our revision frameworks. We want our learners to leave their A-level in Psychology more prepared for their future lives, both with the academic skills but also the understanding of their lived experiences. 

Subject Overview

• A Level Psychology (KS5)