Our Psychology curriculum helps students understand why people think, feel and behave the way they do. Through the study of psychological theories and scientific research, students develop curiosity about human behaviour and learn to think critically about the world around them. We want students to become confident learners who can question ideas, evaluate evidence and make informed decisions based on research.
We have high expectations for all students and believe that every student can succeed in Psychology through a carefully planned curriculum and high-quality teaching. Students begin by studying topics such as social influence, memory and attachment while also learning research methods. Research methods are introduced early because they provide the skills students need to understand, analyse and evaluate research throughout the course. Students then move on to topics including approaches in psychology, clinical psychology and biopsychology, before studying issues and debates and option topics in Year 13. This sequence allows students to build their knowledge over time and make links between different areas of psychology.
Throughout the course, students revisit the big ideas in psychology. They learn that behaviour is influenced by biological, cognitive, social and environmental factors, and that psychological explanations should be supported by scientific evidence. Students also learn that there are often different explanations for the same behaviour, and they develop the skills to compare and evaluate these different viewpoints. Key knowledge, vocabulary and research skills are regularly revisited to help students remember and apply what they have learned.
Studying our Psychology curriculum helps students make sense of everyday life and understand the behaviour of individuals and groups. It develops valuable skills such as critical thinking, analysing evidence, problem-solving, and essay writing. These skills support success at university and in careers such as psychology, healthcare, education, law and many other professions. Most importantly, our Psychology curriculum encourages students to become thoughtful, informed and open-minded individuals.