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Psychology & Criminology

The Psychology and Criminology department at Sandy Secondary School offers exciting and dynamic programmes where pupils think deeply, analytically, and scientifically about human behaviour and the criminal justice system. Students study classic theories while exploring fascinating contemporary topics across both disciplines.

Through diverse information sources including news articles and published research, students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and evidence-based conclusions while gaining transferable employability skills for careers in teaching, healthcare, law, policing, and beyond.

Chloe Kinghorn

Curriculum Leader Psychology & Health & Social Care

Urvashi Makwana-Hau

Teacher of Psychology & Criminology

Subject Information Sheets

Download curriculum overviews and subject information sheets for Psychology & Criminology.

Subject Information Sheets

Curriculum documents for Psychology & Criminology.

Psychology Curriculum Roadmap
Criminology Curriculum Roadmap

Our Approach to Psychology & Criminology

Our Psychology & Criminology department focuses on three key areas that shape everything we do.

Psychology

Exploring human behaviour through classic and contemporary psychological theories, developing scientific thinking and evidence-based reasoning across GCSE and A-Level.

Criminology

Understanding crime, criminal behaviour, and the justice system through sociological and psychological theories, case studies, and ethical analysis.

Research & Analysis

Building research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing abilities alongside practical employability skills for diverse career pathways.

Course Overview

Our department offers two complementary disciplines. Expand the sections below to read about the intent, implementation, and impact of each course.

  • Intent, Implementation, and Impact: The Criminology curriculum at Sandy Secondary School provides students with a comprehensive understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.
  • Throughout the course, students explore the causes and consequences of crime, the functioning of various criminal justice agencies, and the social and ethical implications of crime control.
  • Students engage with diverse topics including psychological and sociological theories of crime, the impact of social inequalities, and contemporary issues such as cybercrime and terrorism.
  • The curriculum cultivates critical thinking and analytical skills through discussions, case studies, and research projects, enabling students to critically evaluate criminal justice policies and practices with an emphasis on ethical considerations and social justice.
  • By the end of Key Stage 5, students complete two controlled assessments and two formal external examinations, with each reflecting one unit studied modularly and grades cumulated throughout the course.
  • Ultimately, the Criminology curriculum produces well-rounded, informed individuals capable of contributing thoughtfully to the field of criminology and the pursuit of justice in society, preparing students for further academic pursuits and careers in criminology, law enforcement, legal studies, and related fields.
  • Intent, Implementation, and Impact: The Psychology curriculum at Sandy Secondary School offers an exciting and dynamic program where pupils think deeply, analytically, and scientifically about human behavior.
  • Throughout both GCSE and A Level courses, students study classic psychological theories while exploring ongoing debates and fascinating contemporary topics.
  • The three-year GCSE delivery model allows students to develop deep and secure knowledge of psychological concepts.
  • Implementation involves exposing students to diverse information sources including news articles and published research, integrating contemporary issues and real-life applications to make learning relevant and engaging.
  • The curriculum develops excellent literacy skills through knowledge retrieval of key terminology and scaffolded templates for extended writing, while fostering critical thinking skills and confidence in reaching evidence-based conclusions.
  • Additionally, students develop employability skills such as communication, group work, leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal awareness, alongside personal development in emotional growth and positive mental wellbeing.
  • By the end of Key Stage 4, students complete two formal external examinations requiring them to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, and evaluation skills across short and extended questions.
  • A Level students complete three formal examinations with most marks coming from extended written responses.
  • The curriculum emphasizes diversity and cultural perspectives, preparing students not only for further academic pursuits but also to become informed individuals capable of applying psychological principles to improve lives, complementing vocations in teaching, healthcare, law, sports, and marketing.
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Begin Your Psychology & Criminology Journey

Discover how Psychology & Criminology can shape your future — explore our curriculum from KS3 through to Sixth Form.

Contact the Psychology & Criminology Department