Psychology
Students learn to appreciate how people perceive the world around them, how human learning develops, and how human beings relate to each other.
About the Psychology course
Psychology helps students understand and develop a critical awareness of the:
- nature of human behaviour
- influence of biological, cognitive and socio-cultural factors on individuals and society.
Students develop knowledge and understanding of human nature. They do this by asking questions and studying the fields of:
- neuroscience
- cognitive sciences
- social psychology.
Knowledge of the Controversial Issues in Schools policy and procedures is required in planning for the teaching of various aspects of the Psychology course.
Students may undertake either 100 or 200 hours of study in Psychology in Stage 5. Courses are structured in the following ways:
- a 100-hour course consisting of Core 1 and Core 2 and a minimum of 2 options
- a 200-hour course consisting of Core 1 and Core 2 and a minimum of 6 options.
Course documents
Schools must use the Psychology course document (DOCX 155 KB) to develop educational programs for this course. They must comply with the:
Assessment advice
Psychology assessment advice (DOCX 142 KB) is available to assist teachers. They can select a range of different activities to assess and report on.
Assessment activities should:
- reflect the school's organisation of the course
- provide students with opportunities to show their learning.
Department-approved elective courses are not credited on the Record of School Achievement (RoSA).
Teaching resources
Schools may adapt or change this content or use other materials suitable to their local context. Provided they comply with the course documents.
Professional learning
Engaging with professional learning courses may help you develop knowledge, understanding and skills for effective course implementation.
- Complete the department-approved elective course – Psychology microlearning (NR36898)
- Access recordings from statewide staffroom sessions via the Teaching and Learning 7–12 Statewide staffroom
Contact
For more information: