Department: Psychology

Curriculum Intention:

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour.  At Huish Academy we aim to engage students in an effective introduction to understanding and explaining human behaviour to enable them to make sense of the world around them. By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Use specialist vocabulary, psychological concepts, terminology and convention to engage in the process of psychological enquiry;
• Acquire knowledge and understanding of psychology, developing an understanding of self and others and how psychological understanding can help to explain everyday social phenomena;
• Understand how psychological research is conducted, including the role of scientific method and data analysis;
• Present information, develop arguments and draw conclusions through a critical approach to psychological evidence, developing as reflective thinkers;
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between psychology and personal, moral, social and cultural issues, and develop an understanding of ethical issues in psychology;
• Develop an understanding of psychological issues, the contribution of psychology to individual, social and cultural diversity and how psychology contributes to society.

 

Curriculum Implementation:

Students follow the AQA Psychology (8182) specification.  In Year 10, students study topics for Paper 1, Cognition and Behaviour, which includes Research Methods, Memory, Development and Perception.  In Year 11, students study topics for Paper 2, Social Context and Behaviour, which includes Neuropsychology, Social Influence, Psychological Problems and Language and Communication.  Students are set a termly homework task to conduct their own mini Psychological study replicating one of the studies included in the specifications. This encourages students to develop their independent study skills and allows continuous application of Research Methods, which is a key focus of the course.

Formative assessments are completed in class to replicate the summative assessments and feedback given in a timely manner.  Students each have an assessment file and are encouraged to monitor their progress and reflect on areas that require revisiting.  Internal assessments include a mid-topic and an end of topic test (using previous exam paper questions) for each unit.  Students will also practice writing a 9mark exam question for every topic, which will be marked by their class teacher.  An end of year exam is sat at the end of year 10 and formal mock exams are taken in November and March in Year 11.

Curriculum impact:

The course provides students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to progress onto KS5.  The Psychology GCSE is an excellent foundation for studying Psychology at A-Level as well as a number of other A-Level subjects, including English, Law and Science.  There is also a focus on research methods and mathematics throughout the course, which give students many transferrable skills they can use in the world of work or when studying for a vocational qualification or apprenticeship.