Criminal Psychology Revision

Title: Criminal Psychology Revision
Current Content:

Years: 11

Duration: 60 Minutes

Class size: 30

Subject: PSHE (Edexcel GCSE Psychology - Criminal Psychology Topic)

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National Curriculum Links

This lesson supports the GCSE Psychology course by helping students understand ideas about criminal behaviour. It fits with the KS4 Psychology curriculum in England and helps students practise explaining, analysing, and evaluating key ideas for their exams.

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT: Remember and explain important ideas about criminal behaviour.
• WALT: Think about how these ideas help us understand why people commit crimes.
• WALT: Use this knowledge to answer exam questions clearly and with good reasons.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain the main ideas about criminal psychology simply and clearly.
• I can compare different ideas and say what is good or not so good about each one.
• I can write answers to exam questions using the PEEL method (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link).
• I use easy-to-read materials that help me understand tricky words.

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Resources

• Easy-to-read summary sheets with bullet points and pictures (clear font, off-white paper).
• Whiteboard and markers.
• PowerPoint with key words, main ideas, and exam questions.
• Sample exam questions for practice.
• Mini-whiteboards for quick answers.
• Timer or countdown app to keep activities on track.

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Support for Students	Notes for Teachers
0-5 mins	Starter: Quick Quiz

• Use mini-whiteboards to answer simple questions about key words and ideas. | Give sentence starters on the board to help students answer. Use pictures for key words. | Helps students remember what they know and gets them ready to learn. | | 5-15 mins | Review: Main Ideas
• Look at 3 main ideas about criminal behaviour:
  1. Personality and Crime
  2. Learning from Others
  3. Biological Reasons
• Use easy summary sheets with pictures to explain. Talk about what each idea says. | Put students in mixed groups to talk and help each other. Use colour on sheets to help memory. | Check groups to make sure everyone understands. Clear up any confusion quickly. | | 15-25 mins | Group Activity: Match the Cards
• Students get cards with parts of each idea (explanation, example, pros and cons). They work together to put the cards in the right groups. | Give extra time or partner help if needed. Cards have pictures to support understanding. | Use a timer to keep students focused. Walk around to support and check progress. | | 25-35 mins | Teacher Example: How to Answer a Question
• Show a simple exam question: “Explain one idea about criminal behaviour” (6 marks).
• Teacher shows how to write an answer using PEEL. | Provide sentence starters like “This idea says…” and show PEEL steps clearly. Use visuals to explain. | Focus on exam skills and clear writing. Link to what the exam expects. | | 35-50 mins | Student Practice: Write an Answer
• Students write their own answer to a 9-mark question: “Say what is good and bad about one idea about criminal behaviour.”
• Remind them to use PEEL and the success criteria. | Give help sheets with key words and sentence starters. Challenge faster students to add extra points or ideas. | Support students as they write. Encourage checking their own work with a checklist. Quiet background music allowed if it helps focus. | | 50-60 mins | Peer Review and Final Quiz
• Students swap answers with a partner and use a simple checklist to give helpful feedback.
• Finish with a quick quiz on mini-whiteboards to go over key points. | Pair students with different abilities to help each other. Use easy-to-read feedback sheets. Stronger students can suggest ways to improve answers. | End with a summary of what was learned. Ask students to note any questions for next time. |

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Differentiation Strategies

• Use colour-coded notes, pictures, and simple charts to explain ideas.
• Provide sentence starters and help sheets for students who need extra support.
• Allow extra time for reading and writing tasks when needed.
• Pair students in mixed groups to encourage peer help.
• Use dyslexia-friendly materials: clear fonts (like Comic Sans or Arial), bullet points, simple language, off-white paper, and pictures.
• Let students answer verbally or use dictation if writing is hard.

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Extension Activities (For Advanced Learners)

• Find out about how criminal psychology is used today, like in catching criminals or helping offenders change.
• Compare different ideas about crime, thinking about social and biological reasons.
• Make your own exam question and answer it, then swap with a classmate to mark.
• Look into ethical questions about studying criminals in psychology.

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Assessment & Feedback

• Check understanding with quiz answers and group card activity.
• Practice exam questions (6 and 9 marks) marked with clear success criteria.
• Use peer feedback with simple checklists to help students think about their work.
• Teacher gives spoken feedback during activities and written notes on exam answers.

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Additional Notes

• Keep the classroom calm and free from distractions to help all students focus, especially those with dyslexia.
• Use real-life examples briefly to make ideas clearer but keep most time for exam practice.
• Use positive praise to build confidence and reduce exam stress.

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This lesson plan gives a clear and simple way to help Year 11 students revise Criminal Psychology for their GCSE exams. It supports all learners with easy materials and clear steps while covering the important ideas they need to know.