Psychology

Currently Psychology is taught in Years 12 and 13, leading to AS and A2 qualifications. There is also an Extend course which runs after school in Year 10 for G&T students, leading to a GCSE qualification.

About the subject

The study of Psychology spans other areas such as English, Maths  and Science, and provides a perfect mix of qualities from each of them. What is more, its subject matter deals with topics that are close to what most of us are interested in: ourselves and other people.

Lessons tend to be varied in style and content, using a mixture of reading, discussion, DVD , student-led seminars, and hands-on research and data analysis.

Students need to be prepared to work hard, as the courses are quite demanding, requiring the ability to make links between ideas. It is essential to have a high level of reading ability, so a grade B in English at GCSE is a course requirement.
AS Content

AS Content

PSYA 1

• COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY- how our memory works and strategies for memory improvement: the reliability of Eye Witness Testimony.
  • DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY- how and why babies and parent bond with each other, what happens when an attachment is not formed, and what effects Daycare has on development.
  • RESEARCH METHODS- the various methods Psychology uses to study human behaviour and the strengths and weaknesses of each technique.

PSYA 2

• BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY- the study of stress, including how it damages the body, and stress management techniques.
  • SOCIAL INFLUENCE- how our behaviour is affected by other people, including conformity, obedience and minority influence. How this research can contribute to improving society.
  • ABNORMALITY- the different schools of thought about what causes abnormal behaviour, and the therapies used by each.

A2 Content

PSYA 3

• AGGRESSION- social psychological explanations of aggression, and biological and evolutionary explanations of aggression. Aggression in prison and explanations of group display in humans.
  • BIORHYTHMS AND SLEEP- including the functions of sleep, and sleep disorders.
  • RELATIONSHIPS- the making, maintenance and breakdown of romantic relationships. Human reproductive behaviour and the effect of early experiences on adult relationships.

PSYA 4

• PSYCHOLOGY IN ACTION- studies into the paranormal.
  • PSYCHOLOGY IN ACTION- studies into the paranormal.
  • RESEARCH METHODS- the application of scientific methodology in Psychology, designing psychological investigations, data analysis and reporting on investigations.
  

GCSE CONTENT
MODULE 1
• Perception and dreaming- how we see our world and whether dreaming is meaningful
MODULE 2
• Social and biological psychological debates- do TV and video games affect young people`s behaviour; why do we have phobias; are criminals born or made?