Curriculum overview for A Level Psychology

Curriculum intent – the knowledge, understanding and skills that students will learn
Students who study A Level Psychology develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of psychology and how they relate to each other. They learn that psychology is relevant to all areas of society and life, and that the more we understand about behaviour, the more we can develop. Students will demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding of research methods and the scientific method, for example, the different elements of the research and scientific processes; how something becomes ‘seen’ as science; and how research gets published. They will acquire competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills, in turn, encouraging their interest in psychology, including further study and careers associated with the subject. Students will understand how society makes decisions and how psychology contributes to the success of the economy and society, for example, how psychology was used during the COVID pandemic. They will develop critical thinking skills, and be able to question research findings and conclusions, understanding the socially sensitive nature of this work, as well as the role of psychology role in perpetuating ideas about human hierarchy.

Curriculum implementation – teaching, learning and assessment strategies
Psychology is taught didactically: students are given books for each unit and are expected to make detailed notes. Lessons are interactive: we want students to ask and answer questions and engage with what they are being taught. Outside of classroom learning, students are expected to review their notes regularly and do additional reading around the subject. They are given access to curriculum review articles and other relevant material on TEAMS, but any additional reading and research is encouraged. There is a Sociology/Psychology library where students are encouraged to borrow books to enrich their learning.  Assessment is varied including classroom question and answers; end of topic exam-style questions and essays, for which students are prepared. Assessments are completed in lessons, under exam conditions as preparation for the actual exams. During the A Level course, students sit three PPE (or Mock) exams which mirror their final exams in Year 13, and they are carefully supported for these assessments. Topics are sequenced in line with their final exam papers, but Paper 2 is taught throughout the course to emphasise the importance of Research Methods. 

Curriculum impact – intended outcomes for students 
Our intention is to create future Psychologists with a genuine curiosity and love for the subject, as demonstrated by the number of students we have who go on to University to study Psychology. We want our students to develop a love of learning which will continue throughout their lives.  Students will develop their interest in and enthusiasm for Psychology through gaining an understanding of human (and non-human) behaviour and how psychology relates to all aspects of life from behaviour during the COVID pandemic, to attachment and cognitive development (educational psychology), and how to improve our memory. The skills of application, analysis, evaluation and critical analysis will benefit them in all their subjects and for the rest of their lives. We want our students to feel happy and safe in lessons, so they are confident to be inquisitive, ask questions, make mistakes, and develop a Growth Mindset.

Course overview for A Level Psychology 
Exam board: AQA - https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/psychology/specifications/AQA-7181-7182-SP-2015.PDF 
Coursework: Not applicable

Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology            
Section A: Social influence 
Section B: Memory 
Section C: Attachment 
Section D: Psychopathology 

Paper 2: Psychology in Context         
Section A: Approaches in Psychology 
Section B: Biopsychology 
Section C: Research Methods 

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology                 
Section A: Issues and debates 
Section B: Cognition and development 
Section C: Schizophrenia 
Section D: Addiction