Year 12
Curriculum Intention: Attachment can be explained using learning theory – which is covered later (in approaches). Therefore I am able to introduce learning theory early and in the spring term it will only need revising. They will already know one example of learning theory being applied and linked to another topic. Research methods is common to all topics and is therefore taught in a discreet lesson once a fortnight by me throughout the year. The mock exam will cover the earliest topics only – attachment, memory, social influence and research methods. Therefore it will need to be revised before the exam and give an opportunity for students to recap. Social Influence is taught early because it is an engaging topic with lots of examples of ethical issues with research such and participants being misled/deliberately lied to in order to observe natural behaviour. This links to research methods which is a key element of the whole course. Year 1 work is easier than Year 2 – that is how the course is designed. Year 2 is more focused on the application of earlier knowledge. For example in Year 2 schizophrenia can also be explained using learning theory. Therefore it builds on earlier knowledge. |
Curriculum Implementation:
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
Sept 2nd - Oct 14th Research Methods (AT) 1 lesson Attachment (AT) Social Influence (DS) |
Jan 6th – 10th Feb Research Methods (AT) 1 lesson Approaches AT Biopsychology Year 1 content (DS) |
20th April – 18th May Research Methods (AT) 1 lesson
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Half term |
Half term |
Half term |
Oct 28th – Dec 16th Research Methods (AT) 1 lesson Memory (AT) Psychopathology (DS) |
24th Feb – 30th March Research Methods (AT) 1 lesson Approaches (AT) Biopsychology (DS) |
1st June – 13th July Research Methods (AT) 1 lesson Revision for Yr.12 exam in June Issues and Debates Yr.13 work (AT) Research Methods Yr. 13 work (DS) |
Christmas Holidays |
Easter Holidays |
Summer Holidays |
Outcomes: Improvement in grades and feedback. Better organised essays which are more synoptic and include key psychological language used appropriately. Improved ability to know how to answer Paper 1 and Paper 2 exam questions and select appropriate knowledge – initially using text books and notes and gradually without them. The ability to make links between different topics. Ability to apply relevant examples of everyday behaviour in their answers – for example the law on plastic bags (charging 5p) is an example of negative reinforcement in action – learning theory. |
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Employability skills:
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Year 13
Curriculum Intention: Biopsychology has specific Yr. 2 content which is applicable to the explanation for Schizophrenia and to a lesser extent relationships. Year 2 exam questions require students to do inferential statistical tests on data and therefore we cover these tests at the beginning of the year. Students will need to apply this knowledge later. This is the hardest mathematical and research methods content. There is time planned for revision at the end of the course – this proved a really good use of time last year and gives the opportunity to recap on Year 1 and Year 2 work. |
Curriculum Implementation:
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
Sept 2nd - Oct 14th Issues and debates (AT) complete from summer term Biopsychology Yr. 13 content (AT) Research methods – complete from summer term – Yr. 13 (DS) Relationships (DS) |
Jan 6th – 10th Feb Forensic psychology (AT and DS)
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20th April – 18th May Revision
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Half term |
Half term |
Half term |
Oct 28th – Dec 16th Biopsychology (AT) Schizophrenia (DS) |
24th Feb – 30th March Forensic psychology (AT and DS)
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1st June – 13th July Revision
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Christmas Holidays |
Easter Holidays |
Summer Holidays |
Outcomes: Improvement in grades and feedback. Better organised essays which are more synoptic and include key psychological language used appropriately. Improved ability to know how to answer Paper 1, 2 and 3 exam questions and select appropriate knowledge. The ability to make links between different topics in essay answers. They show the ability to discuss the issues and debates associated with psychology and link them to the topics already studied. For example to explain that some explanations for behaviour are reductionist – where schizophrenia is explained by an excess of dopamine and other environmental explanations are ignored. |
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Employability skills:
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