Curriculum intent
The Psychology Department at SJHN aims to explore the human mind and behaviour through the AQA Psychology specification, providing an engaging and accessible introduction to the subject. Inspired by our mission to form Christ-centred pilgrims of hope, we encourage students to develop questioning minds as they investigate why people think, feel and behave in the ways they do. Students are encouraged to be aspirational and aim high from the very beginning of the course so that they may achieve at their very best.
We aim for students to flourish as curious and analytical learners. The course content is organised so that knowledge and skills are gradually built upon using a variety of learning techniques. Students will be expected to engage in discussion about often sensitive issues, with respect and integrity. As they progress, they develop a thirst for knowledge, applying psychological theories to real-world behaviour with increasing confidence.
During the second year, students are expected to work more independently as academic demands become more challenging. This gradual increase in challenge enables students to build resilience and realise they are made for greatness through effort, ambition and reflection.
Additionally, we seek to develop students’ cultural capital and a hunger for justice, as they learn to understand human behaviour and its impact on individuals and society. This also supports the development of kind hearts, as students consider ethical issues with empathy and care.
By leaving SJHN as knowledgeable, reflective and inquisitive psychologists, students develop a variety of skills including analytical thinking and understanding of human behaviour, preparing them for an exciting future further study, employment and life.
students and parents
Students and parents, to find out how our curriculum is planned and sequenced, click on our subject learning journeys below.
Curriculum Overviews
To find out more about our how our curriculum is implemented you can click on our curriculum overviews