Psychology

Psychology at Nicholas Breakspear allows students to develop their knowledge on human behaviour. Students develop their knowledge of the world and the people in it, through a multitude of approaches. Students are able to investigate, debate, discuss and evaluate key psychological theories and issues within specific topical interests. 

The teaching of Psychology at Nicholas Breakspear is knowledge-rich, using biological, social, and cultural perspectives. These perspectives are consolidated and explored in new contexts as students move through the curriculum. Students will be able to develop their interest and knowledge through a variation of activities and tasks.  

Psychology gives an in depth look into human behavior and interaction which can support students in their empathy and communication throughout their lives. Discussions and debate are used consistently throughout topics, to form suitable evaluations of theories of the human race. Students are encouraged to develop their rational thinking and social connectivity through their learning.  

Aims:

The Psychology curriculum supports the curriculum aims of the school, in which we aim for all children to have the knowledge and skills to:

• Be successful learners who aspire for excellence, enjoy learning and make good progress.
• Master the key knowledge and skills essential for success in each subject.
• Understand the importance of their role within the local community and the wider world in order for them to become more aware of who there are and the impact that they can make.
• Develop their sense of morality and faith, enabling them to find God in all things.
• Be confident and ambitious in their future aims to enable them to achieve their potential.
• Build perseverance, resilience and self-belief to become confident in their abilities.
• Lessons contain active reading wherever possible to support comprehension of key knowledge, including examples of modelled work and opportunities to explore issues surrounding topic areas which link to the wider world. Teachers should model good prosody and encourage students to strengthen their own reading skills and fluency by reading aloud.

In addition, the teaching of Psychology at Nicholas Breakspear aims to ensure that all students:

• Study a knowledge-rich curriculum, using biological, social, and cultural perspectives.
• Gain knowledge of human behavior through a range of approaches.  
• Are confident in debating the ethical considerations of research within humankind through a critical viewpoint. 
• Apply knowledge to a range of situations that can arise throughout a lifetime. 
• Have the tools to be critical in their analysis of theories, explanations and reasons for behavior and memory, and how it can develop and change through a lifetime.

Key Concepts/Skills:

Throughout Key Stage 5 understanding of the following psychological skills and concepts are developed:

• Knowledge of social influences, psychological approaches and mathematical skills within research methods.
• Evaluative and critical thinking.  
• Memory and how it can be utilised through learning.
• Explanations and treatments for a plethora of disorders. 
• Discussion and analysis of a range of approaches to explain behaviour, interaction and development.

Planning for progression:

Each topic starts with expected knowledge and vocabulary in the form of personal learning checklists and glossaries. Links to previous learning and other learning are consistently made to reinforce understanding. Lesson time and homework tasks provide checks of knowledge and understanding. Links to approaches, issues and debates, and psychological theories are interleaved throughout the scheme of work to allow for further in depth analysis. There is a formal assessment each term which assesses students’ knowledge and conceptual understanding. Feedback lessons are built into the curriculum to enable students to identify areas of improvement and to rectify any misconceptions.

Curriculum Design:

The Psychology curriculum at Key Stage 5 covers the requirements of the national curriculum. The curriculum has been designed, where possible, to reflect the diverse national backgrounds of our students, and reflect current affairs and priorities. 

The curriculum is sequenced so that students can consolidate and build on prior knowledge of approaches and theories to develop their understanding.

Groupings of Pupils:

Psychology groups are taught in mixed ability classes in Key Stage 5. We recommend at least 5s in English, Maths and Science to enter the course, although certain exceptions can be made. All students sit the same three papers at the end of Year 13. The curriculum and scheme of work supports exam practice, allowing for progress and development throughout the two years. 

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Review:

• Regular line management meetings between Heads of Department and SLT.
• Head of Department termly evaluations evidenced in Middle Leaders; Report.
• Learning Walks conducted by Heads of Department and Senior Leaders.
• Evaluation of pupil questionnaires focused on access to curriculum and curriculum progress.
• Evaluation of feedback from parents and carers.
• Academy Trust reviews.
• Governor department link meetings.
• Full Governing Board Meetings and Curriculum link meetings.
• Head of Department and Senior Leader analysis of assessment data, both internal and external.
• Evaluation of destination information and pupil transition.
• Curriculum Reflections, which are filled out after the delivery of a topic. Members of staff collaborate and discuss strengths and weaknesses of a given topic, and changes are made accordingly. This ensures that the curriculum remains dynamic and up to date, integrating the latest teaching research and insight.