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CURRICULUM INTENT / VISION STATEMENT
Our psychology department aims to enlighten and nurture our students’ intellectual curiosity of the human mind, and human behaviour, not only of themselves, in result developing introspective reflection, but also of those around them in society. Our students will leave the two-year course with a greater understanding of what it means to be human, a greater degree of empathy and a compassionate eye; they will have an increased sense of social responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and tolerance of diversity, contributing to the betterment of a global society.
THE AVANTI WAY
The Avanti Way statements for Educational Excellence, Character Formation and Spiritual Insight (how we develop these within each subject).
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Exploring attachment theories highlight the importance of relationships and emotional
bonds, whilst cognitive psychology teaches self-awareness and understanding of thought patterns. These studies help students see beyond the material, deepening their self-discovery and compassion for others.
CHARACTER FORMATION
Psychology encourages self-reflection, helping students build self-discipline and
critical thinking. Approaches like behaviourism emphasise experiential learning, fostering virtues like
perseverance and empathy. By studying behaviour, students grow personally and contribute positively, aligning with the practice of virtues in a supportive community.
SPIRITUAL INSIGHT
Psychology offers a challenging curriculum which encourages students to
explore human behaviour. Studying biopsychology and memory help foster curiosity about how the brain functions and encourages self-reflection on their own learning strategies. Students are equipped with lifelong skills for independent thought and personal growth, aligning with the idea of nurturing unique gifts and contributing meaningfully to the world.
COURSE CONTENT
Order and timing of topics throughout KS5– Psychology
Year 12 course outline
Autumn Term 1 & 2
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Research Methods: Designing and conducting research, and the analysis and interpretation of data.
Spring Term 1 & 2
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Approaches: The origins of psychology and how it emerged as a science with 5 different approaches.
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Attachment: How and why attachments are formed, how to assess attachments and how they influence later life
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Social Influence: Factors affecting conformity, obedience, minority influence and social change.
Summer Term 1 & 2
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Memory: How memories are processed, stored, forgotten and distorted.
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Psychopathology: How abnormal behaviour is defined, and explanations and treatments for phobias, depression and OCD.
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Biopsychology: The role of the nervous system, neurotransmitters, the brain and biological rhythms.
Year 13 course outline
Autumn Term 1 & 2
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Issues and Debates: Issues such as gender and culture bias, ethical implications and opposing debates.
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Schizophrenia: Classification and diagnosis of SZ, biological and psychology explanations and treatments.
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Gender: The relationship between sex and gender. Is gender a biological or social construct?
Spring Term 1 & 2
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Forensic Psychology: Offending behaviour, why we offend, dealing with offending behaviour.
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Exam Preparation
Summer Term
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Exam Preparation
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
For the A-level Psychology course, we follow the AQA specification. There are three examination papers, each paper being 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each. The exam structure consists of multiple choice, short answer questions, and extended writing questions.
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Paper 1 (2 hours): Social influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology
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Paper 2 (2 hours): Approaches, Biopsychology and Research methods
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Paper 3 (2 hours): Issues and Debates, Schizophrenia, Gender, Forensic Psychology
This will be assessed throughout the year during students' PIP exams which are design to be representative of the exams in terms of assessment objectives (AO1, AO2 and AO3).
HOW PARENETS CAN HELP
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Having discussions on psychological issues/topics taught in class.
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Sharing any news articles which are relevant to the topics we are studying.
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Getting involved in your child’s learning e.g.: retrieval practice with flashcards
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Understand how your child’s A Level Psychology exam will be marked (as document provided for parents).
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Checking exam notes and homework are completed on the dates set
HOME LEARNING & ONLINE RESOURCE
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https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182
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https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level-psychology-textbooks
All students will be given digital access to an AQA psychology textbook.
Lesson PowerPoints and resources will be shared online via Google Classroom.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
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Join/start a Psychology club at school
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External conferences
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Podcasts which discuss the topics we study
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Volunteering or fundraising for a mental health organisation.
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Visit the Freud Museum
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Watch films about psychology such as "Awakenings" and "A Beautiful Mind" that encourage interesting discussions about psychological concepts.
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Visit local sleep labs or university laboratories in which psychological research is being conducted
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
All year 12 students are encouraged to undertake work experience which could be relevant to psychology such as:
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mental health charities
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shadowing psychologists or counsellors
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human resources
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assisting in educational settings
