Psychology Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Intent
At Chingford Foundation School, Psychology encourages students to explore one of the most fascinating questions of all: why do people think, feel and behave the way they do? Our curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, scientific enquiry and psychological literacy, enabling students to understand both themselves and others on a deeper level.
Psychology develops analytical thinking, emotional intelligence and evaluative skills. Students learn to question assumptions, interpret evidence, analyse behaviour and understand the biological, cognitive and social factors that shape human experience. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions in personal, academic and future professional contexts.
The curriculum reflects the school’s four pillars:
- Knowledge – Students learn key theories, studies and biological processes that explain cognition, development, behaviour and mental health.
- Independence – They conduct investigations, analyse data, evaluate evidence and understand ethical principles in research.
- Empowerment – Psychology enables students to understand themselves and others, building empathy, communication skills and confidence.
- Inclusion – Students explore diverse perspectives, cultural influences on behaviour and the importance of equity, respect and ethical responsibility.
Ultimately, Psychology helps students develop curiosity, compassion and resilience, preparing them for success both in the classroom and beyond.
Key Stage 4 (GCSE Psychology – AQA)
GCSE Psychology introduces students to key theories, real-life applications and the scientific methods used to study the mind and behaviour.
Topics are carefully sequenced so students build strong foundations in cognitive, biological and social psychology.
What Students Study
The GCSE curriculum is structured around two core papers:
Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour
- Memory – Types of memory, encoding, retrieval, forgetting and eyewitness testimony
- Perception – How the brain interprets sensory information, illusions and visual cues
- Development – Cognitive growth, Piaget, learning and brain development
- Research Methods – Experiments, sampling, variables, ethics and data analysis (taught throughout Y10)
Paper 2: Social Context and Behaviour
- Social Influence – Conformity, obedience, crowd behaviour and independent thinking
- Language, Thought and Communication – Verbal/non-verbal communication and human vs animal communication
- Brain and Neuropsychology – Brain structure, neurons, nervous system and neurological damage
- Psychological Problems – Depression, addiction, causes, symptoms and treatments
How GCSE Is Assessed
Students complete two written exams at the end of Year 11:
- Paper 1 – Cognition and Behaviour (1 hr 45 mins, 50%)
- Paper 2 – Social Context and Behaviour (1 hr 45 mins, 50%)
Both exams include multiple-choice questions, short answers and extended writing.
Why this curriculum?
Research Methods is embedded throughout Year 10 rather than taught in one block, allowing students to apply skills within each topic and build confidence gradually.
Curriculum links are made deliberately with Biology, English, PE, PSHE, History and Maths, promoting deeper understanding and strengthening transferable skills.
Key Stage 5 (A Level Psychology – AQA)
A Level Psychology builds on GCSE learning but remains fully accessible for students who have not studied Psychology before. The focus is on deeper analysis, scientific evaluation and the application of psychological theory to real-world contexts.
What Students Study
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
- Social Influence – Conformity, obedience, resistance and social change
- Memory – Models of memory, forgetting, eyewitness testimony
- Attachment – Infant-caregiver bonds, deprivation and long-term effects
- Clinical psychology and Mental health – Phobias, depression, OCD and treatments
Paper 2: Psychology in Context
- Approaches in Psychology – Learning approaches, cognitive, biological, humanistic, psychodynamic
- Biopsychology – The brain, nervous system, hormones and biological rhythms
- Research Methods – Experimental design, data handling, statistics and ethics (embedded throughout the course)
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
This paper deepens critical thinking around:
- Issues and Debates – Nature vs nurture, free will vs determinism, gender bias, ethics
Optional Topics:
- Relationships – Attraction, virtual communication, breakdown
- Schizophrenia – Symptoms, explanations and treatments
- Forensic Psychology – Offender profiling, crime theories, custodial sentencing
These optional topics have been selected because they:
- Build naturally from GCSE content
- Connect strongly to students’ personal and academic interests
- Offer real-world relevance (mental health, digital behaviour, criminal justice)
How A Level Is Assessed
Three 2-hour exam papers, each worth one third of the final grade.
Curriculum Strengths
- Research methods integrated throughout—to support long-term retention
- High academic challenge with strong scaffolding
- Strong links to Science, Sociology, Philosophy, Law, PSHE and English
- Focus on wellbeing, mental health literacy and ethical decision-making
Beyond the Classroom
Students have opportunities to:
- Carry out practical investigations and data analysis
- Debate ethical issues in Psychology and contemporary research
- Explore real case studies from forensic, clinical and cognitive contexts
- Develop academic writing, critical thinking and statistical skills
- Participate in revision seminars, guest lectures and enrichment sessions
Psychology supports careers in mental health, medicine, law, education, criminology, business, social work, neuroscience and research.
