Psychology

Psychology at NSSFC develops students’ understanding of human behaviour, cognition and mental processes through scientific research and theoretical debate.

Students explore how behaviour is shaped by biological, cognitive and social influences, applying research evidence to contemporary issues in mental health, crime, development and social change.

Core strands:

  • Social Influence

  • Memory

  • Attachment

  • Psychopathology

  • Approaches in Psychology

  • Biopsychology

  • Research Methods

  • Issues & Debates

  • Forensic Psychology

  • Cognitive Development

  • Gender

The curriculum is carefully sequenced. Year 12 establishes foundational knowledge of core approaches and research methods. Year 13 builds depth through applied topics and synoptic integration across the full specification.

Assessment consists of three externally examined papers. QLA from mock examinations informs responsive reteaching, particularly in extended 16-mark essays, research methods and application questions.

Independent learning includes retrieval practice, structured essay writing, research analysis and engagement with contemporary psychological debates.

 

Key Stage 3

Psychology is not taught as a discrete subject at KS3.

Psychological concepts are introduced through:

  • Science (brain, cognition, development)

  • Personal Development

  • Religious Studies

Key Stage 4

Psychology is not offered at KS4.

Students interested in psychology may choose GCSE pathways such as:

  • Health & Social Care

  • Biology

  • Science (brain, cognition, development)

  • Personal Development

  • Religious Studies

Sixth Form – A Level Psychology (AQA)

Students follow the AQA A Level Psychology specification.

Core Components

Paper 1

  • Social Influence

  • Memory

  • Attachment

  • Psychopathology

Paper 2

  • Approaches in Psychology

  • Biopsychology

  • Research Methods

Paper 3

  • Issues & Debates

  • Forensic Psychology

  • Cognitive Development

  • Gender

Students develop advanced analytical and evaluative skills, applying research evidence to unfamiliar contexts and constructing balanced extended essays.

Academic rigour is central to the course, with emphasis on:

  • AO1 knowledge

  • AO2 application

  • AO3 evaluation

  • Synoptic integration across topics

  • Critical engagement with research methodology

KS5 Curriculum Overview

Term Year 12 Year 13
Autumn 1 Social Influence Issues & Debates
Autumn 2 Memory Forensic Psychology
Spring 1 Attachment Cognitive Development
Spring 2 Psychopathology Gender
Summer 1 Approaches in Psychology Biopsychology (completion & synoptic links)
Summer 2 Research Methods Revision & Examination Preparation

Year 13 includes structured synoptic revision cycles and bespoke intervention informed by QLA analysis.

Literacy, Careers and Personal Development

Vocabulary
Students develop precise disciplinary terminology including conformity, internalisation, schema, plasticity, diathesis-stress, validity, reliability, localisation, restorative justice and statistical significance.

Knowledge Organisers
Structured glossaries and retrieval materials support mastery of key studies, evaluation points and research methods.

Careers Links
Psychology supports progression into:

  • Clinical Psychology

  • Forensic Psychology

  • Educational Psychology

  • Psychiatry

  • Mental Health Nursing

  • Neuroscience

  • Research and Data Analysis

  • Law and Criminology

Explicit reference is made to university pathways and professional qualifications in line with Gatsby Benchmark 4.

SMSC / Personal Development

Psychology develops:

  • Empathy and ethical awareness

  • Moral reflection on research ethics and mental health

  • Social awareness of prejudice, crime and inequality

  • Cultural understanding of cross-cultural research

  • Resilience through extended academic writing

Students leave with the ability to evaluate complex evidence, think critically and apply psychological theory responsibly to real-world issues.