In Year 9 students will study 4 topics which will give them a flavour of the course should they wish to continue with the option at the end of Year 9. We cover key topics to allow exposure to key vocabulary in the course and to develop their skills of thinking analytically when considering psychological theories.

The first topic is Social Influence and looks at how other groups and individuals can influence our behaviour. This will give the students an appreciation of how we behave in certain social situations.

The second topic is Memory. Students will explore different psychologist’s views of how memory works by looking at how we remember and forget things.

The third topic looks at the brain and neuropsychology. Students will explore the different areas of the brain and how it works. We will also look at what happens if the brain is damaged and methods used to study the brain.

Finally, the fourth topic is Development. This topic will build on the work covered on the brain and will further look at other areas important in our development. Students will also study the development of intelligence, morals and how our mind-set can affect our learning

Each topic will have two key studies that students will study in depth.

Students will receive weekly homework and fortnightly assessed work in the form of exam style questions to prepare them for potentially continuing with the course in Year 10.