Psychology

The Psychology curriculum at our Harris Rainham Sixth Form is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the study of the human mind and behaviour.

Our aim is to develop critical thinkers who can engage with psychological theories, research and methods, and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. By adopting a knowledge-rich approach, we empower students to explore the fascinating realm of psychology and its impact on individuals and society.

The aims of the A-Level Psychology curriculum at Harris Rainham Sixth are to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of key psychological theories, concepts, and research findings
• Foster critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse and evaluate psychological theories and empirical evidence
• Cultivate an appreciation for the scientific nature of psychology and develop competence in research methods and data analysis
• Promote an understanding of the ethical considerations and social implications of psychological research and practice
• Inspire curiosity, interest, and enthusiasm for the subject, encouraging further study and careers in psychology-related fields.

Throughout the course, students will be introduced to threshold concepts, which are pivotal ideas that underpin the field of psychology. By grasping these concepts, students can build a solid knowledge base from which they can explore more advanced topics. Regular opportunities for knowledge recall, low-stakes quizzing, and exam-style applications are integrated into lessons to reinforce learning and enhance retention.

In addition to classroom instruction, students will engage in practical activities that develop their research skills. They will learn about experimental design, data collection and statistical analysis, enabling them to conduct their own research projects and critically evaluate existing psychological studies. These hands-on experiences foster an understanding of the scientific nature of psychology and prepare students for further study or careers in research or applied psychology fields.

We recognise the importance of promoting ethical awareness and social responsibility in the study of psychology. Students will be encouraged to explore the ethical considerations involved in psychological research and the potential impact of psychological knowledge on individuals and society. They will develop an appreciation for the diverse applications of psychology, from therapeutic interventions to social policy development, and will critically evaluate the ethical implications of these applications.

By offering a challenging and intellectually stimulating learning environment, we aim to cultivate students' curiosity and passion for psychology. Our curriculum emphasises the relevance of psychological knowledge beyond the classroom, empowering students to make informed decisions in their personal lives and future careers. We believe that a comprehensive understanding of psychology equips students with the tools to contribute positively to society, fostering empathy, compassion and an appreciation for human diversity.

The topics covered in the A-Level Psychology curriculum include:

1. Biopsychology: Plasticity and Functional Recovery of the Brain after Trauma
   • Understanding the brain's ability to adapt and reorganise after injury or trauma.
   • Exploring the concepts of neural plasticity and neurogenesis.
   • Investigating different scanning techniques used to study the brain, such as fMRI and PET scans.
2. Social Influence: Conformity
   • Examining different types of conformity, including compliance, identification, and internalisation.
   • Exploring classic studies on conformity, such as Asch's line experiment.
   • Analysing the factors that influence conformity, such as group size, unanimity, and social norms.
   • Investigating the role of situational variables and individual differences in conformity.
   • Exploring conformity to social roles, including Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment.
3. Research Methods: Descriptive Statistics and Levels of Measurement
   • Understanding measures of central tendency, including mean, median, and mode.
   • Calculating and interpreting measures of dispersion, such as range and standard deviation.
   • Exploring the levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.
   • Applying descriptive statistics to analyse and interpret data.
   • Calculating percentages and their significance in psychological research.
4. Memory
   • Introducing the multi-store model of memory, including the sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
   • Evaluating the strengths and limitations of the multi-store model.
   • Investigating different types of long-term memory, including episodic, semantic, and procedural memory.
   • Exploring the working memory model, focusing on the central executive, phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and episodic buffer.
   • Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the working memory model.
   • Examining explanations for forgetting, including proactive and retroactive interference, as well as retrieval failure.
   • Understanding the cognitive interview and its role in improving the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.

Throughout the course, students will engage in various learning activities, including classroom discussions, case studies, research projects, and practical demonstrations. They will develop critical thinking skills, analysing and evaluating psychological theories and research findings. Ethical considerations in research and applications of psychological knowledge will be emphasised, encouraging students to understand the broader impact of psychological research on individuals and society.

The curriculum aims to nurture students' analytical and research skills, enabling them to design and conduct their own psychological investigations. They will learn to analyse and interpret data using appropriate statistical techniques. Additionally, students will be encouraged to engage with current research in psychology, fostering a passion for lifelong learning and an appreciation for the dynamic nature of the field.

By providing a comprehensive and engaging curriculum, we strive to empower students to become informed, reflective, and compassionate members of society. Our aim is to inspire them to pursue further study and careers in psychology-related fields, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness necessary to make a positive impact on individuals and communities.