Academic/Subject Departments

Psychology

What is Psychology?

Psychology is defined as “the scientific study of human behaviour” and it provides an opportunity for students to learn a new subject in the Sixth Form; we offer psychology at both AS and A2 level. The specification followed is AQA specification B.

What skills will I gain?

The Psychology Department aims to help students to develop an appreciation of how psychological principles can be applied to situations in everyday life. It engenders an awareness of the complexity of human behaviour and relationships and allows students to reflect on their own experiences. As psychology is a scientific subject, it enhances skills of analysis, evaluation and critical appraisal as well as literacy and communication skills.

What is the content of the A level?

The A-level content includes an introduction to the main approaches of psychology and the research methods involved, as well as many topics of applied psychology.
Unit 1 includes the key approaches to psychology, research methods and gender development.
Unit 2 includes topics on social psychology (eg obedience and conformity), cognitive psychology (e.g. memory and perception) and individual differences (eg autism and anxiety disorders)
Unit 3 includes child development and a choice of applied psychology options such as forensic psychology and schizophrenia and mood disorders.
Unit 4 is a synoptic unit covering the approaches, debates and methods in psychology

How will I be taught?

Some group work is carried out, but students are also given the opportunity to extend their independent learning skills. Some lessons involve practical tasks, videos, discussion and ICT activities and students are encouraged to take an active part in class activities.

Are there extra-curricular activities?

The Department offers extra curricular activities such as a visit to a forensic psychology conference. Lectures are offered during Science week. Sixth Form students can also assist in the “Brain Awareness Week” activities for Year 5 and 6 pupils and can help to run our Psychology Club which allows Year 11 students to find out more about psychology. Visiting speakers are also invited to talk on topics such as autism.

How will Psychology be useful in my career?

If you want to become a professional psychologist you will need to do a psychology degree followed by further training. There are many areas of training such as in clinical psychology, educational psychology, occupational psychology, forensic psychology and sport psychology.

Even if you do not want to be a psychologist, your skills will be useful in social work, business and management, advertising and counselling.