Psychology
Psychology at OSSMA;
Facilitating students questioning and understanding of why people behave the way they do and empowering them to analyse scientific research to consider how to change the world around them.
- Teaches Students to evaluate research and information in regards to its scientific credibility, validity, usefulness and application
- Teaches students key psychological theories and encourages them to evaluate and compare them to deem their usefulness and application to the real world.
- Encourages students to answer big questions affecting their world – such as how can we use our understanding of how memory works to create the most effective approach to revision.
A psychology learner at OSSMA has:
- The confidence to apply theories and research to the real world
- The ability to analyse and critique research
- An interest in applying theories and knowledge to a real-world context
- The ability to complete independent learning and take responsibility for their learning
Year 10
Students will study
- Research methods
- Memory
- Social influence
- The brain and neuropsychology
- Crime
- Development
- Psychological issues
Year 11
Students will study
- Crime
- Development
- Psychological issues
- Sleep and dreaming
- Revision
Student assessment:
Psychology is assessed across 2 Edexcel GCSE papers.
Paper 1 is 55% of the qualification and covers 5 topics:
- Development
- Memory
- Psychological problems
- The brain and neuropsychology
- Social influence
Paper 2 is 45% of the qualification and covers 2 topics:
- Criminal psychology
- Sleep and dreaming
Students then answer a full section on research methods.
Homework and flipped learning:
Psychology operates a flipped learning policy in which students are directed as to which sections of their knowledge organisers they are to read and make notes on before the lesson. This supports students in becoming independent learners and allows lessons to be focused on exam technique and the development of content.