Psychology
The intent of the Psychology curriculum is to ensure that our young psychologists are equipped with the necessary scientific knowledge, skills, and vocabulary to develop a better understanding of themselves and the wider world. As psychology is a new subject for students, we want them to have a good understanding of the basics of the discipline, so they develop into courageous, intellectual, contemporary psychologists. The psychology curriculum will enable our learners to value the importance of psychological research and will promote curiosity of the human body and mind.
Our vision for the Psychology Curriculum at Faringdon Community College is to provide solid foundations of knowledge, skills and cultural capital for A Level students to be able to succeed in life. The Psychology department follows the AQA specification. The course is designed to inspire and engage students by providing a broad and coherent curriculum which develops an understanding of the ideas and values that characterise ‘self’ and others and promotes resilience, independence, and organisation. Our curriculum also ensures that students’ disciplinary knowledge develops in an equally advanced way.
Each element of the curriculum has been carefully sequenced to aid the acquisition and remembering of key concepts. The development of knowledge, skills and attributes will benefit them to become active and considerate citizens, by developing the qualities of care, compassion and empathy for others and challenging stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues and neurodiversity. All students will develop high independent primary and secondary research skills to act as a springboard for further training in whatever curriculum area they choose to pursue. Students will be encouraged to achieve the very highest aspirations both for attainment in Psychology and for their future career aspirations.
What knowledge will be gained?
- Students will understand the different key theories covering the areas of social, cognitive, biological, developmental, and different individual areas of Psychology.
- Students can articulate the various positions regarding debates within Psychology, including ‘nature/nurture’, ‘free will/determinism’ and ethical issues.
- Students appreciate the contribution of Psychology to an understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity.
- Students will understand how science works in relation to Psychology.
- Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of how psychological understanding can help to explain social phenomena.
What skills will be gained?
- Students will be able to use specialist vocabulary.
- By evaluating key theories, students will develop the confidence to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they will have to apply this knowledge and evaluate theories.
- Students will develop transferable creative skills through planning and designing ethical and feasible research investigations using a wide range of research methods.
- Students will be able to use mathematical skills to analyse and interpret data.
What attributes will be gained?
- Students will develop care, compassion, and empathy for others.
- Students will develop courage by exploring emotionally challenging topics.
- Students will develop curiosity by designing, carrying out and analysing investigations.
- Students will develop confidence and resilience through being encouraged to aim high.
- Students will develop as reflective thinkers by following a critical approach to psychological evidence.