Our intent follows the United Learing curriculum principles à context of the Psychology curriculum:
Entitlement
All pupils have the right to study every topic of the psychology curriculum, which expose students to critically understand the world around them using psychological concepts. All pupils will learn the scientific study of human mental processes and behaviour, psychological theories and research, which will be applied to a variety of interesting real-life situations. They will develop their skills of analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking, which will be excellent preparation for sixth form, further and higher education.
Coherence
Students first develop a grounding in key approaches e.g. research methods to study Psychology, which are crucial in understanding the human mind: learning, cognitive and biological approaches. They then develop the skills to apply these approaches to understanding a variety of contemporary and relevant issues, such as relationships, schizophrenia and criminal psychology.
Mastery
Our content is sequenced from foundational to more abstract and advanced topics and concepts. Our topics are grounded in key questions about the nature of the mind (such as nature vs nurture), which are explicitly linked to current and relevant issues affecting our students. The structuring of topics reflects the demands of the specification, which is rooted in classic psychological studies as opposed to recent research, but this is complemented by the use of contemporary examples in lessons. Core knowledge is explicitly planned and clear, and homework focuses on learning key concepts and ideas and practising examination technique. Regular retrieval is built into lessons to revisit and consolidate prior learning.
Adaptability
In Psychology, we aim to deliver a curriculum which is accessible to all students, regardless of starting points, for example whether students have studied GCSE Psychology or not. We intend that students will develop confidence in a new subject at GCSE and thrive on their love of learning.
Representation
Our missions is to develop good people and the skills learnt will enable students to enter the world beyond Heath Lane as a good citizen and a perceptive, adaptive and valued member of society. We will provide opportunities for an enriched understanding and appreciation of the subject by starting to integrate key issues and debates surrounding human behaviour; this should lead to a respect for all through deeper compassion and empathy for the diverse behaviours displayed by others and the wealth of issues experienced.
Education with character
Throughout their learning journey, students will have the opportunity to develop literacy, mathematical and science-based knowledge and skills, the knowledge acquired in KS3 Maths and Science will be highly relevant to studying Psychology. Students will learn how to pay attention to detail, solve problems, analyse beyond face value, think ‘out of the box’.