Psychology

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The psychology department aims for all students to question human behaviour and develop an awe of wonder about the interactions between people. Students should develop an inquisitive nature to finding out the reasons why humans behave in a specific way but also to be confident in evaluating key research so that further developments and knowledge continue.  Throughout the course students develop a deeper level of empathy.

Learning Journey

Psych gcse learning journey

Year 10

The Psychology Department aims for all students to question human behaviour and develop an awe and wonder about the interactions between people. Students should develop an inquisitive nature to finding out the reasons why humans behave in a specific way but also to be confident in evaluating key research so that further developments and knowledge continue. Throughout the course students develop a deeper level of empathy. Students develop a foundational understanding of psychological concepts, theories and research methods. The curriculum introduces core topics such as memory, perception, development, and research methods. Students build critical thinking skills by evaluating theories and understanding how psychological research is conducted, analysed and applied. 

In Y10 the main content is from paper 1 with the Perception topic being swapped for Language, Thought and Communication. This enables students to have covered animal communication and evolutionary explanations of non-verbal communication before the trip to Dudley Zoon in the July of Y10. 

Key Knowledge:

Mainly Paper 1 content

  • Research Methods (intro): Experimental design, variables, sampling methods, ethics, basic data presentation (mean, median, mode). And experimental method 

  • Memory: Types of memory (short-term, long-term), the multi-store model (Atkinson & Shiffrin), factors affecting memory (capacity, duration), forgetting (interference, retrieval failure). 

  • Research Methods: Non-experimental methods 

  • Development: Early brain development, Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, effects of deprivation and attachment. 

  • Data Handling: Tables, graphs, interpretation of results 

  • Language, Thought & Communication: Differences between human and animal communication, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. 

Assessment Points 

  • Trackpoint 1: data from learning checks and assessments on introduction to research methods and memory 

  • Trackpoint 2: data from learning checks and assessments on development and research methods 

  • Trackpoint 3: based on end-of-year mock exam to cover topics: Memory, Development, Language, Thought and Communication and Research Methods  

Key vocabulary:

Encoding, storage, retrieval, STM, LTM, capacity, duration, interference, schemas, , cognition, development, deprivation, attachment, variables, reliability, validity, ethics 

Enrichment:

Psychology documentaries (e.g. BBC), memory experiments in class experiments in personal space and facial experiments, careers research into psychology-related fields, introduction to famous psychologists, visit to Dudley Zoo for animal communication 

 

Year 11

Students deepen their understanding of psychology by studying more complex topics including social influence, brain and neuropsychology, psychological problems, and advanced research methods. Emphasis is placed on evaluation skills, application to real-life scenarios, and exam technique to prepare for GCSE examinations. 

The content taught is mainly from Paper 2 with the Perception topic added at the start of Y11 to coincide with a visit to Museum of Visual Illusions. 

Key Knowledge:

  • Perception: Visual illusions (e.g. Müller-Lyer), factors affecting perception (culture, motivation), Gibson’s direct theory. 

  • Social Influence: Conformity (Asch), obedience (Milgram), types of conformity, factors affecting obedience, resisting social pressure. 

  • Brain and Neuropsychology: Structure and function of the brain, localisation of function, neuroplasticity, damage and recovery. 

  • Psychological Problems: Mental health (depression), addiction (smoking), causes (biological, psychological), treatments. 

  • Research Methods (advanced): Hypothesis writing, experimental design, quantitative & qualitative data, correlations, data analysis and interpretation. 

  • Revision of all Year 10 content 

Assessment Points 

  • Trackpoint 1: based on the mock examination covering mostly paper 1 and Perception topic 

  • Trackpoint 2: based on learning checks and assessments of Psychological Problems and Neuropsychology 

  • Final GCSE examinations (AQA Psychology Paper 1 & Paper 2) 

Key vocabulary:

Perception, illusion, conformity, obedience, social roles, neurotransmitters, localisation, plasticity, depression, addiction, validity, correlation, hypothesis, quantitative, qualitative, reliability  

Enrichment:

Case studies (e.g. Phineas Gage), debates on mental health, independent research projects into different types of mental illnesses, revision workshops, exam skills sessions, links to A-level Psychology, visit to the Twist Museum for visual illusion. 
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