1. Statement of intent
Key Stage: 5
Subject: Psychology
Academic Year:
Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. (Psyche – greek word, meaning ‘the soul’, - ology meaning the ‘study of’). Psychology encompasses the study of the mind, how it works, and how it affects behaviour. A psychologist is interested in conscious and unconscious phenomena, as well as feeling and thought. Psychologists seek an understanding of individual behaviour as well as group behaviour. Psychology is an academic discipline that uses research evidence to explore the usefulness of different theories and treatments. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and the mind. It offers a unique educational experience that develops a distinctive and broad set of skills. It’s located in scientific method and allows scope for extensive evaluation from a range of perspectives.
All the following must be an integral part of the study of each topic area:
Psychological theories, perspectives and methods.
The design of the research used to obtain the data under consideration, including its strengths and limitations.
Psychology students should be able to:
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues.
apply psychological knowledge and understanding to a range of contexts
analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological concepts, theories, research studies and research methods.
evaluate therapies and treatments including in terms of their appropriateness and effectiveness.
Students must study by the end of Year 13:
Mental health.
Child development.
Criminal Psychology.
By the end of Key Stage 5,
They will have the opportunity to develop a wide ranging set of key skills, including being able to communicate effectively using appropriate language, to interpret and critically assess scientific data, and to research and critically evaluate a range of sources. The specification also encourages the development of strong literacy and numeracy skills.

2. Curriculum Overview Key Stage:5 Subject: Psychology
Academic Year
Year
Unit content
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring1
Summer 1
Summer 2
What is psychology?
What are psychological approaches?
What is the difference between science and pseudo-science?
IDA: Is psychology a science?
Case study analysis – analysing the potential causes of different behaviour.
Paper 1.
Topic 1. Conformity
IDA: Is our behaviour the product of free will or determined by other social forces?
What do we mean by conformity and majority influence?
What are the different types of conformity?
Why do we conform?
Why do people conform to social roles?
Why do some people not conform?
How do minority voices bring about social change?
Exploration of key studies.
Asch.
Zimbardo.
Milgram.
Hofling
Adorno
Moscovici
Nemeth
Rotter
Topic 2. Memory
How does our memory work?
What is the difference between short term and long term memory?
What is meant by working memory?
How can we study memory?
Why do we forget?
How accurate are our memories?
How can we improve our memory?
Key Studies.
Baddeley (various studies across the topic), Bahrick, Shallic & Warrington, Clive Wearing, Underwood & Postman, Godden & Baddeley, Carter & Cassaday, Loftus & Palmer, Gabbert, Jonson & Scott, Yuille and Cutshall, Fisher & Geiselman
Synoptic links.
RM – the use of case studies.
RM – experimental method.
IDA – Cognitive approach.
Assessment
Bridging Work
Weekly - exam essay questions
Consolidation questions on key content at the end of every in lesson.

3. Curriculum Overview Key Stage:5 Subject: Psychology
Academic Year
Year
Unit content
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring1
Summer 1
Summer 2 13
Paper 1.
Topic 3. Attachment
What do we mean by attachment?
Why is it important?
How do we measure attachments?
Is attachment a learned or innate behaviour?
Is attachment a universal behaviour?
What are the consequences of insecure attachments?
Paper 2. Topic 1. Psychopathology
IDA: Is psychology useful?
How do we define abnormality?
How do we diagnose phobias, depression and OCD?
What are the different approaches to explaining and treating psychopathology? .
Paper 2. Topic 2
Research Methods
What methods do psychologists use?
How do they use them? Explain the procedure?
Why do they use them?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method?
How do psychologists describe and interpret data?
Assessment
Bridging Work
Weekly - exam essay questions
Consolidation questions on key content at the end of every in lesson.