Psychology
“Everything can be taken from a man but… the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances ”
Victor Frankl
Department Vision Statement/ Curriculum Intent
Through teaching psychology GCSE at The Malling School we aim to create learners who are critical thinkers with the ability to evaluate and analyse their own views as well as the views of others. They will learn about key psychological issues that affect how we feel, think and behave with an in depth understanding and awareness of key applications in society.
Our pupils will develop a greater sense of factors influencing the brain and behaviour and are encouraged to use the experiences, evidence and research from different psychological theories and research to explain various aspects of human behaviour.
We encourage our pupils to think independently, and apply their knowledge to the world around them. They will be inspired to question their previous thought processes and explore challenging ideas in a safe and relaxed environment, encouraging them to make excellent academic progress and personal growth.
YEAR GROUPS
Year 10 - KS4 - Exam Board Edexcel
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Introduction to Psychology |
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We will introduce the course to students, looking at what psychology is and the different approaches adopted in the study of psychology. |
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Curriculum Booklet Knowledge Organiser Recommended Revision Guide: |
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Development |
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| Students will learn about early brain development, as well as theories of development and their applications to education. We look at investigation into development, as well as issues and debates around the development of morality. |
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Curriculum Booklet Knowledge Organiser |
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Memory |
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We explore the structures and processes of memory and information processing and the types of amnesia and their effects. Students will look at investigation into memory and issues and debates around reductionism and holism. |
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Curriculum Booklet Knowledge Organiser |
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Psychological problems |
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| Students learn the symptoms and features of unipolar depression and addiction and how diagnosis has changed over time. We look at how depression and addiction affect individuals and society, theories that explain depression and addiction, and treatments. We then focus on investigations into mental health and the nature and nurture debate. |
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Curriculum Booklet Knowledge Organiser |
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Brain & Neuropsychology |
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| Students begin by learning the structure and function of the brain and the role of each of the hemispheres, as well as the impact of neurological damage. We then focus on the studies investigating neuropsychology and issues and debates about how the study of psychology has changed over time. |
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Curriculum Booklet Knowledge Organiser |
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Social Influence |
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The unit explores how groups and individuals influence our behaviour, focussing on conformity, obedience and bystander intervention. Students will then learn key studies investigating social influence and issues and debates around social and cultural issues in psychology. |
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Curriculum Booklet Knowledge Organiser |
Year 11 - KS4 - Exam Board Edexcel
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Research Methods |
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| Students will learn how psychological research is designed and issues of reliability and validity within research procedures. We then focus on different research methods used and ethical issues within research. |
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Curriculum Booklet Knowledge Organiser |
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Criminal Psychology |
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| We begin by looking at theories and explanations to explain criminality and the effects of punishment and rehabilitation. Students then explore research investigating criminality. |
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Curriculum Booklet Knowledge Organiser |
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Language thought and communication |
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| Students will firstly focus on the relationship between language and thought and how this affects our view of the world. We will then explore how communication differs in humans and animals and non-verbal communication, as well as studies investigating language, thought and communication. |
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Curriculum Booklet Knowledge Organiser |