Psychology

Intent and Vision

In Psychology we have the Ravens Wood vision at the heart of our curriculum planning, and it has informed the learning journey of our students. Our vision in Psychology is for all students to have a broad understanding of the psychological concepts that impact the world in which they live. As well as developing psychological knowledge, students will learn new vocabulary which will enhance their academic performance and acquire transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, literate, numerate as well as having excellent interpersonal skills. Our aim is that they will think like a psychologist.

 

Key Concepts that Underpin the Curriculum
  1. Research methods
  2. Psychology as a science
  3. Real world psychological knowledge
  4. Ethical considerations in relation to psychological research
  5. Knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders both current and historically
  6. Critical analysis of research and source material
  7. Parsimony in academic writing

 

Key Features of Learning

We believe the best way of doing this is teaching students the importance of the role of scientific enquiry in psychology. Research methods and mastery of the key psychological vocabulary in the first year give students a sound basis which allows students to display their own understanding of the subject going into year two.

 

How Does our Curriculum Shape Learners?

Our curriculum helps students to develop an understanding of their own mental health and the benefits of understanding some of the explanations and issues surrounding this complex yet current area. Students are also encouraged to question their own position in society when considering areas such as conformity, independent thinking, assertiveness and empathy.

 

The Learning Journey: End Points for Each Academic Year
Year 13

By the end of Year 13, students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the scientific concepts and research methods in psychology. Their comprehension of psychological vocabulary will be excellent as it will be used consistently in written work, feedback and classroom discussion throughout the course. Students will have developed evaluation skills that demonstrate their own level of understanding through the knowledge of the issues and debates that are imbedded throughout the course. Students will have studied biological, psychological and psycho-social explanations and theories in aggression, schizophrenia and gender. All of which have been carefully selected as being most relevant and engaging to a Ravens Wood student.
Year 12

By the end of year 12, students will be armed with a set of skills that will enable them to master the second half of the course. They will have studied research methods at some depth and understand the importance of validity and reliability in relation to attachment, memory, social influence and psychopathology. They will have encountered a number of psychological theories and research studies and will be able to explain and evaluate these in a concise yet effective manner. This will be underpinned by having a sound knowledge of the six contemporary psychological approaches. This will allow students to further explain and evaluate the many new concepts that they have learnt through the year.

 

 

Provision Maps