Psychology
Psychology is a well-established subject at HGAED and is taught at GCSE and A level.
At both GCSE and A level we have chosen AQA as our exam board as we feel they provide a rigorous and challenging course that gives student an insight into the many different ways in which psychology is studied and applied.
We believe in the importance of psychology as an optional subject within our curriculum. It can make a powerful impact on students' lives by giving them insight and understanding of their own and others' behaviour.
As a science, it is also rich with both theory and empirical evidence and we are keen to teach students that psychology is underpinned by the scientific method and that developing research skills is key to them becoming good psychologists.
It is also an applied subject and our aim is to enable students to understand and evaluate how psychological theory is turned into treatment and practice in the real world.
Our goal is to develop psychology students who are inquisitive, reflective and empathic in their approach to exploring two fundamental question at the heart of psychology: what shapes human thought and behaviour? What are the real-world applications of this knowledge that can improve people’s lives?
While a number of our students choose to continue to study Psychology at degree level and pursue careers in psychology, this isn’t the only measure of our impact. Psychology should give students a set of tools and concepts, based on research, that allow all of our students who study the subject to think and reflect in new and different ways about their own behaviour and that of those around them.
The bigger goal is to encourage greater tolerance and acceptance of others, particularly those who are different to us. We also want to inspire students to apply their psychological insight in a wide range of occupations once they leave education; the skills and knowledge students develop in psychology have value across many work sectors including business, health care, education, law, social care and media.
What is the intention of the Psychology curriculum?
- To develop interest in Psychology as a broad academic discipline
- To help students gain insight into their own thinking and behaviour and that of others
- To develop students' understanding of and interest in how Psychology is applied in the real world
- To deepen students' understanding of the scientific process as applied in Psychology so that they can think like psychological researchers and plan and conduct their own research projects
- To encourage independence, curiosity and resilience
- To develop written and verbal analysis and evaluation skills
- To provide opportunities for progression to further education, training and employment
The curriculum overview for each year group can be downloaded below.
