Psychology
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
Aristotle, 384-322BC
The psychology subject at George Green's School offers students a deep dive into the study of human behaviour and mental processes.
With a focus on developing critical thinking and analytical skills, the curriculum covers various aspects of psychology, including cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, as well as research methods. Students are encouraged to explore real-world applications of psychological theories and engage in hands-on experiences through practical assignments and discussions. The subject aims to equip learners with a strong foundation in psychological concepts, preparing them for further study or careers in related fields.
Key Stage 4 Psychology
Exam Board: AQA
What you will study
At this level, students are introduced to the basics of psychology. Topics include:
- Research Methods: Understanding how psychologists conduct research, including experiments, observations, and surveys.
- Developmental Psychology: How people develop throughout their lives, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Cognitive Psychology: Exploring memory, perception, attention, and how we process information.
- Social Psychology: Understanding how people are influenced by others, including topics like conformity, obedience, and group behaviour.
- Psychological Disorders: An introduction to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and phobias.
- Biological Psychology: The role of the brain and hormones in shaping behaviour.
Key Stage 5 Psychology
What you will study
At A-Level, students go deeper into psychological theories and research. Key topics include:
- Memory and Perception: More detailed exploration of how we store, retrieve, and process information.
- Social Influence: In-depth study of group behaviour, obedience, conformity, and minority influence.
- Biological Psychology: How the brain, nervous system, and hormones influence behaviour, including topics like stress, brain structure, and neurotransmitters.
- Cognitive Psychology: Advanced study of cognitive functions, including attention, language, problem-solving, and memory.
- Psychological Disorders: Detailed analysis of different mental health conditions, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
- Research Methods and Ethics: Advanced study of research design, data analysis, and ethical issues in psychological research.
- Approaches in Psychology: Different schools of thought in psychology, including behaviourism, humanism, cognitive psychology, and psychodynamic theory.
Both stages will involve practical research tasks, case studies, and critical evaluation of psychological theories and experiments. The focus at KS5 is on applying psychological principles to real-world issues and preparing students for further education or careers in psychology, healthcare, or social sciences.
Curriculum Map
Year 10 Psychology Curriculum Map
Year 11 Psychology Curriculum Map
Year 12 Psychology Curriculum Map
Year 13 Psychology Curriculum Map
Contact our Department
Head of Psychology: Mrs Reshmi Nathu, rnathu@georgegreens.com