Curriculum Aim & Intent
Aim
The aim of our Psychology curriculum at SMA is to develop students’ understanding of human behaviour through the study of psychological theories, concepts, and research. We seek to equip students with analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling them to evaluate evidence, understand diverse perspectives, and apply psychological knowledge to real-world contexts.
Intent
The Psychology curriculum combines a variety of teaching methods including formal instruction, group work, independent tasks, active learning techniques, research projects, and home learning. It is regularly reviewed to ensure it meets its aims and remains relevant. The curriculum helps students develop critical thinking, oracy, and analytical skills while gaining a solid understanding of psychological concepts and their application to real-life situations.
Students explore a wide range of psychological topics, theories, and research methods, including both classic and contemporary studies. The structure of the GCSE course is designed to be engaging and accessible, with a strong emphasis on mental health and the practical application of psychology. Developed in collaboration with employers and higher education, the curriculum aims to inspire students and prepare them for further study or future careers, encouraging independence and confident communication.
As students’ progress, they build confidence in using specialist vocabulary and applying psychological knowledge to understand human behaviour and social issues. They learn how psychological research is carried out, develop skills in argumentation and critical analysis, and explore the ethical and cultural dimensions of psychology. The curriculum also promotes key employability skills such as resilience, collaboration, and creativity, helping students connect their learning to the wider world of work.
Brief Overview of Curriculum Content for Each Term
| Autumn term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
| Yr 10 | • Issues and debates • Criminal Psychology • Research methods | • Psychological problems • Research methods | • Development • Research methods |
| Yr 11 | • Social influence • Research methods | • Sleep and dreaming • Memory | • Memory • Revision and exam technique |
How Our Curriculum Caters For SEND Students
In Psychology, SEND support is provided by class teachers through differentiated teaching methods. Additional support is provided by the SENDco and trained teaching assistants.
SEND students are supported according to their individual needs strategies include;
- Specific strategies mentioned in individual SEND pupil passports
- Scaffolding resources/ questions
- Adapting resources e.g. different font size and different colour paper, colour overlays
- Word Processor in lessons with editable and downloaded resources from Microsoft Teams
- Subtitles for videos
- Use of access arrangements for in class and mock assessments
- Use of booklets with QR codes for paced learning
- Access to Thursday academic intervention/support hour
- Access to PSC support during lessons if needed
- Visual Learning and assessment timelines provided to students for organisation and anticipation purposes
- Termly subject support meeting with students outlining strength and areas for development for adaptive teaching.
- Differentiated seating arrangements
How Our Curriculum Caters For Disadvantaged Students
As a school serving a community with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage, we are deeply committed to raising attainment for all students and closing the gaps that can arise from their social context. Our targeted and strategic use of funding and resources is focused on reducing these disparities, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to achieve success by the time they leave the Academy.
More specifically, within the teaching of Psychology, we:
- Foster a growth mindset
- Create a safe, welcoming atmosphere
- Access to technology and resources (both online and paper copies)
- Loan book library
- Use of departmental laptops for homework and classwork
- Regular communication with parents/guardians
- High expectations for all students
- Early intervention sessions and catch up sessions for those who have below average attendance
- Targeted academic support
- Small group sessions
- Real-World connections in lessons
- Reference to high professional careers throughout the course
- Guest speakers and online webinar opportunities to enhance cultural capital
- Visual Learning and assessment timelines provided to students to navigate the course in case of absence.
