Psychology | ISB Secondary

Psychology (KS4 & Pre-U)

At ISB we trust that Psychology, the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, has several key aims and goals. This engaging and effective subject introduces students to the fundamentals of psychology, developing critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills.

Psychology is intended to help research and practice in the field, providing a framework for understanding and improving human behavior.

The primary aims of Psychology are:

to develop an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors affecting mental processes and behavior.
to apply an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors affecting mental processes and behavior to at least one applied area of study.
to understand diverse methods of inquiry.
to understand the importance of ethical practice in psychological research in general and observe ethical practice in their own inquiries.
to ensure that ethical practices are upheld in all psychological inquiry and discussion.
to develop an awareness of how psychological research can be applied to address real-world problems and promote positive change.

In summary, the main aims of psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior, with the ultimate goal of applying this knowledge to improve the well-being and functioning of individuals and society by our future student psychologists.

In order to meet these aims we will…

Focus will be on the following key strategies:

Encourage Critical Thinking: An environment where students critically evaluate psychological theories, research, and practices is created. Encouraging analysis of different perspectives and the strengths and limitations of psychological approaches helps develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Integrate Research and Theory: Ensure that students are not only familiar with psychological theories but also with how these theories are applied in real-life contexts. The subject emphasizes the connection between research findings and their practical implications.

Develop Research Skills: Since research is a core component of Psychology, the subject offers opportunities for students to design, conduct, and analyze psychological research. Teaching proper research methodology, including ethics, is crucial.

Focus on Ethical Considerations: The subject instills an understanding of the ethical guidelines and principles in psychological research and practice, ensuring students consider the ethical implications of psychological studies and theories.

Foster International Awareness: The subject aims to cultivate global citizens, so the psychology department ensures that students understand how psychological concepts apply across different cultures and societies promoting Internationalism. This includes addressing cultural factors and diverse perspectives within the field.

Promote Independent Learning: The department creates a learning environment that encourages student autonomy, where students are responsible for exploring topics in depth, conducting independent research, and presenting their findings.

Assessment Preparation: Provide students with clear guidance and practice on the assessment requirements, including the internal assessment (IA) in IBDP and the external exam. The department should help students refine their ability to articulate psychological concepts and evidence effectively.

Create a Collaborative Learning Environment: Promote collaboration among students, enabling them to discuss theories, research, and case studies, and develop their communication skills in the process.

Students will be able to;

Critically Evaluate Psychological Theories and Research: Students will develop the ability to assess the strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations of different psychological theories and research studies. They will be able to compare and contrast different perspectives within the field.
Apply Psychological Knowledge to Real-World Contexts: Students will be able to apply psychological concepts and theories to everyday situations, demonstrating an understanding of how psychology can be used to explain human behavior and inform societal issues.
Conduct and Analyze Research: Students will acquire the skills necessary to design, conduct, and evaluate psychological research, including developing hypotheses, using appropriate research methods, analyzing data, and interpreting results. They will also understand the ethical guidelines for conducting research.
Understand Cultural and Ethical Issues in Psychology: Students will recognize the influence of cultural factors on behavior and psychological processes, as well as the importance of ethical considerations in psychological practice and research.
Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills: Students will be able to articulate psychological concepts clearly and coherently in both written and oral formats, demonstrating their ability to present research findings and theoretical analyses effectively.
Engage in Independent Inquiry: Students will develop the skills to engage in independent learning, exploring psychological topics on their own, conducting research, and critically reflecting on their findings.
Demonstrate Awareness of the Impact of Psychology on Society: Students will understand how psychological research and practice can influence policy, health, education, and social issues, fostering an awareness of the role of psychology in shaping human well-being.
Collaborate with Peers in Psychological Discussions: Through group work and discussions, students will improve their ability to collaborate with others, sharing ideas and insights to deepen their understanding of psychological topics.
By meeting these outcomes, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to apply psychology both academically and in practical, real-world situations, while developing critical thinking, research proficiency, and ethical awareness.

Subject Staff

Mr. D Bull

Head of Faculty

Mrs. S Patwardhan

Teacher

Curriculum Journey

Psychology Curriculum

Marking & Feedback

Framework Document

Key Stage 4 (Year 10 & 11)

Curriculum Outline

GCSE Exam Board, syllabus and assessment criteria

Psychology (AQA)

Pre-U (Year 12 & 13)

Curriculum Outline

IBDP Psychology Subject Brief

Which degrees does this IB subject complement?*

Occupational Therapy

Criminology

Sport & Exercise Science

Sociology

Forensic Psychology

Childhood Studies

Law

Marketing

*The degrees listed are some examples of courses that the subject supports but this is not an exhaustive list. In addition, please note that these subjects are not compulsory for each degree. Please consult individual university websites for specific requirements for their courses.

ISB Secondary Parent Website

Psychology (KS4 & Pre-U)