Psychology

A-level Psychology provides a chance to be part of an evolving science.

Department Vision:

To nurture a passion for psychology and cultivate a broad understanding of psychological theories about why we behave the way we do. Develop an appreciation for the diversity of psychological functioning and its significance for our future society.

Department Aim:

To offer an engaging and effective psychology course that exposes students to scientific ideas and procedures that underpin psychology theory.

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Examination Board: Edexcel A-level 9PSO

Psychology is a fascinating area of study. Our department’s focus is to enable students to gain insights into why people behave differently, on their own to when in the company of others; why they forget and how we remember; why feelings impact upon behaviour. Students’ ideas and opinions are challenged; new theories and evidence-based argument taken on-board.

“People who have a sense of self-efficacy bounce back from failure; they approach things in terms of how to handle them rather than worrying about what can go wrong.” (Albert Bandura)

This demanding course fosters a range of transferrable skills: an ability to learn from mistakes; a questioning attitude and good reasoning skills; proficiency in research design, data collection and application of statistical testing. Scientific thinking, statistical analysis of data, the ability to construct well-argued essays and acquire knowledge from a range of theoretical viewpoints is embedded in the study.

Psychology is a two-year, knowledge-rich course with a focus on content in Year 12 and exam technique in Year 13. The 20% maths component, is taught through applied practicals.

The psychology course is sequenced: core skills revisited and reapplied to new scenarios. We go beyond the exam syllabus in using the most up-to-date, relevant research and current societal events to enhance understanding. There are extra-curricular opportunities including applied research through our close liaison with Royal Holloway University and a joint neuroscience workshop with a local school.

Psychology can be a controversial and sensitive topic to study – topics such as mental illness, gender and attachment may affect you or members of your family so you will need to approach the study of the subject in an objective and mature way.

A-level Psychology has a healthy uptake in the Sixth Form. Studying Psychology A-level means students will be:

able to give balanced and well-structured answers.
exposed to an academically challenging, ambitious and stimulating curriculum
encouraged to engage with wider reading.
tolerance of others, open to new ideas, embrace cultural diversity
challenged in ambition for life beyond A-levels through embedded career links in lessons.

Learning Ladders

Click on the Learning Ladder to see a larger version. The Learning Ladder shows the subjects or topics that students will learn about each year. Click on any 'Year' roundel to view an in-depth Learning Journey for the year you have selected. This shows in more detail, what students will learn each term, with links to useful resources etc. (this applies to all roundels)

PSYCHOLOGY KS5

View the Learning Ladder and the Learning Journey for this subject here.

Wider Curriculum

The Wider Curriculum allows students to take a further interest in their subjects and subject related material they study at school. The Wider Curriculum also enables parents and carers to actively engage with the opportunities offered by each department.

WIDER CURRICULUM KS5

Each PDF is hyperlinked, so when you click on them, the links will take you to areas where you may read, view, listen, visit and be creative.

Career Options in Psychology

These are some examples of career paths available if you study this subject:

Behavioural Research, Careers Adviser/Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Health Psychologist, Healthcare Worker, Human Resources Manager, Market Researcher, Occupational Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Sport and Exercise Psychologist, Teacher