Psychology - learning journey & curriculum

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At the heart of our psychology curriculum is the commitment to transform lives. By instilling confidence and ambition, we encourage students to become proactive learners, prepared to challenge existing theories and contribute to the psychological community. This transformation is not only intellectual but also personal, fostering self-awareness and empathy, essential traits in both personal and professional realms to inspire futures for our students. 

In terms of creating opportunities, our curriculum opens doors to a range of potential careers in psychology and related fields. Through exposure to various psychological disciplines, interactions with practicing psychologists, and a strong grounding in research methods and scientific principles, students gain a realistic and comprehensive understanding of the diverse career paths in psychology. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared and informed about their future professional opportunities. Our curriculum is specifically designed for students in their local context, as well as placing it within a national and international community, incorporating local case studies, such as Fred and Rosemary West, and engaging with current issues locally and more widely, we make psychology relevant and applicable to our students' everyday experiences. This approach enhances learning and makes psychology relevant to all students. 

To, we focus on developing students' ability to think, talk and write like a psychologist. Through engaging in debates and discussion, our students learn to articulate psychological concepts and arguments effectively. Students learn to refine their ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and sophistication, mirroring professional psychological writing. Most importantly, our curriculum emphasises critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to think like psychologists – questioning, analysing, and synthesizing information with an open yet critical mind. 

Our A Level Psychology curriculum is ambitiously designed to transform students into adept psychologists by the end of their A level studies. It combines classic studies from the specification with cutting-edge research, both local and international, to ensure a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of the field.

Students will master fundamental knowledge including landmark psychological theories and methodologies. For example, they will explore Freud's psychoanalysis alongside modern cognitive-behavioural approaches, understanding their evolution and application. Through engagement with undergraduate-level research and original articles, students learn to articulate complex concepts clearly and coherently, mirroring the writing style of professional psychologists. This exposure to university-level study, not only elevates their academic abilities but also prepares them for higher education. Access to challenging texts, podcasts, and videos broadens their vocabulary, fostering a deeper understanding of psychological terminology.

This comprehensive approach ensures that by the end of KS5, our students can talk, think, and write like psychologists, equipped with a skill set that transcends the confines of the classroom and prepares them for future academic and professional endeavours.

For students with SEN, the curriculum is adapted to address learning needs. For instance, students with cognitive differences are provided with differentiated materials that simplify complex concepts without diluting the academic rigor. Additionally, those with social and emotional needs benefit from our curriculum's focus on compassion and understanding human behaviour, which helps them in better understanding themselves and others. To close the gap between disadvantaged students and their peers, our curriculum offers a variety of learning opportunities. This includes access to resources like online educational materials, such as accessible digital textbooks, providing equal learning opportunities. In imparting cultural and historical capital, the curriculum includes a diverse range of researchers and studies from different cultures, offering a global perspective on psychology. We encourage students to explore psychological concepts across different cultures, fostering a deeper appreciation for global diversity. 

Furthermore, by reflecting the diversity of our students via varied researchers and psychological theories, we ensure that all students see themselves represented in their learning. This inclusive approach promotes engagement, empathy, and a sense of belonging among students, making the curriculum not just an educational journey, but a personal one that resonates with their identities and experiences. 

From the outset, the curriculum focuses on establishing a strong foundation in psychological knowledge and research methodology. This grounding in basic principles and approaches in the early stages forms the basis for more complex topics and critical thinking skills developed in later months and years. For instance, students initially learn fundamental research methods, which are then applied and expanded upon in subsequent topics to include advanced statistical analysis and improving reliability and validity of research. Mathematical skills are interwoven throughout the topics and build upon GCSE understanding of areas like percentages. This progression ensures that students are continuously building upon and reinforcing their understanding in a psychological context. 

Key subject-specific revision skills are embedded throughout the curriculum. Students are taught effective revision strategies, such as spaced repetition and active recall, and are encouraged to apply these techniques in their studies. Additionally, the curriculum is interlinked with other subjects, highlighting the relevance of psychological concepts in areas like biology, sociology, and philosophy. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches students' understanding of psychology but also enhances their overall academic skills.