In Psychology, we want pupils to treat themselves and others with dignity and courtesy, while also promoting open and critical exchange of psychological ideas relating to human behaviour. This means listening to each other’s point of view to encourage a respect for difference, diversity and ways of living. We seek to develop pupils’ respect for other cultures and social groups through creating a learning environment where all feel safe to contribute and explore their ideas around socially sensitive topics. By raising awareness about themselves, other cultures and social groups we seek to deepen pupils’ understanding of those around them and prepare them for life in modern Britain.

Through the study of Psychology, the students are offered a scientific and rigorous education in how we develop and behave so they know themselves better and make sense of the world around them. An appreciation of ‘how science works’ in conjunction with the application of the empirical method will be central to their understanding of Psychology and allow them to explore ‘big questions’ about life. Students will become critical thinkers, engaging with academic literature, which develops their cultural and academic capital in order to participate fully in society. Promoting academic success will broaden student horizons and opportunities in their future careers.

Psychology is academically challenging, but we encourage pupils to go further and stretch themselves, so that they can be the best version of themselves. This requires drive and determination; character matters as much as academic skills and we want our pupils to develop the qualities and traits that lead to success and make a positive difference in society. Pupils who overcome challenges and succeed despite adversity have a real sense of achievement. This sense of mastery will feed a vision about their future goals and ambitions and allow them to become active citizens and agents of change in a wide range of occupations.