Psychology

"Psychology is the key to understanding ourselves and others. Through it, we don't just study the mind—we unlock human potential."

Subject Overview
A-level Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. This course introduces students to the core principles, research methods, and real-world applications of psychology, encouraging critical thinking, ethical awareness, and analytical skills.

 The course is divided into key topics across two years, including:

Year 1 (AS Content – also part of A-level):

• Social Influence – Why people conform, obey authority, and how resistance to social pressure occurs.
• Memory – How memory works, why we forget, and the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
• Attachment – The importance of early relationships and their impact on later development.
• Psychopathology – Definitions, explanations, and treatments of disorders like phobias, depression, and OCD.
• Approaches in Psychology – The main schools of psychological thought, including behaviourism, cognitive, biological, and humanistic approaches.
• Research Methods – Scientific methods used in psychological investigations, including designing experiments and analysing data.

Year 2 (Full A-level content):

• Biopsychology – The biological basis of behaviour, including the brain, nervous system, and neurochemistry.
• Issues and Debates – Explores gender bias, culture, determinism vs free will, nature vs nurture, and ethics in research.
• Optional Topics (choose one from each group)
  • Cognition and Development, Gender, Relationships
  • Schizophrenia, Eating behaviour, Stress
  • Aggression, Addiction, Forensics

Assessment

• Three written exam papers at the end of the course.
  • Each paper is 2 hours long and worth 33.3% of the A-level.
  • Questions include multiple choice, short-answer, and extended writing (essays).

Curriculum Intent
At The Forest School, we aim to nurture students in an aspirational environment with relevant, engaging, active learning experiences where students develop the skills and knowledge to aspire to become elite.  

We expect students to:

• Have a deep understanding of the theories, research methods, and applications within the field of psychology. 
• They will have critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and capacity to evaluate complex psychological theories and research findings. 
• They will have knowledge of key debates and controversies within psychology, as well as the ethical considerations inherent in psychological research and practice. 
• They will be equipped with a rigorous and thorough grounding in the principles and methodologies of psychological inquiry.
• They will develop skills in respectful discussion, critical evaluation, and ethical reasoning.

Curriculum implementation
At KS5 (year 12 and 13), Psychology is an A Level Option.

At The Forest School, Psychology lessons are designed to be engaging, inclusive, and thought-provoking, using a variety of teaching methods and resources that cater to diverse learning styles and encourage active participation.

In Year 12 students cover 7 topics across the year, starting with the 2 core topics (Approaches and Research Methods) that are central to understanding throughout the topics.  Students have 5 x 100minute lessons of Psychology per fortnight. They are also provided with independent learning tasks that are complete outside of lessons. Such work provides opportunities to consolidate and extend learning as well as opportunities to practice assessment questions. Teachers use different teaching strategies to develop independence and resilience throughout including: - flipped learning preparation tasks, group work, timed independently produced assessment and plenty of assessment checking opportunities.   Students regularly engage in respectful discussions and debates on moral, ethical, and spiritual questions, helping to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and empathy.   Group tasks and peer learning foster teamwork and allow students to appreciate different perspectives.

• Cross-Curricular Links: Psychology can be linked with many subjects like Biology, PSHE/RSHE, Maths, Sociology, PE, Business Studies, Economics.  

Resources Used:

• Primary Textbook: AQA Psychology for A level. Illuminate Publishing
• Other Materials: Documentaries, interviews, original experimental footage, Seneca Website, Tutor2U website.

Curriculum Impact
Psychology at The Forest School is integral to nurturing the school’s core values:

• Aspiring: Psychology encourages students to aspire to be thoughtful, informed individuals who seek understanding beyond themselves.
• Safe: The respectful environment in Psychology lessons models how to discuss sensitive issues safely and inclusively.
• Prepared: Students leave Psychology equipped to navigate a diverse world with cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness.
• Independent: Psychology nurtures independent thinking by encouraging students to question, reflect, and form their own views. It also encourages independent learning pre and post lesson with structured learning tasks.
• Respectful: Learning about diverse cultural values fosters respect for others’ identities and opinions.
• Excellent: High-quality Psychology teaching challenges students to achieve excellence in critical thinking, empathy, and communication

Curious about the curriculum?  Looking for something to read?

• Tutor2u/Psychology
• Seneca Learning
• Simply Psychology
• Psych Boost 

Contact information
If you would like to find out more please contact Mrs S Ashraf, Subject Leader, on sashraf@forest.academy