Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and is an inspirational subject that will change the way you think about things forever. As you study human behaviour, and why we behave the way we do, it encourages you to adopt an open mind and become an analytical thinker. By studying Psychology, you will be prepared for future study and careers by developing independent learning and thinking skills, as well as an understanding of the many important factors that affect our behaviour. The course is taught through interactive activities and students will have opportunities to complete their own research.
You may want to know what causes mental illness, or why we become attracted to others. Whatever your particular interest, if you would like to understand both yourself and others better, Psychology is the subject for you!
What students say:
“Psychology is one of the most interesting subjects I’ve ever studied! Having a teacher who helps out with any misunderstandings makes it available to any students with different learning styles!”
“Teachers are supportive and always able to help out and they make the lessons fun.”
Staff
Head of Social Sciences - Miss Madeley
Head of Psychology & Sociology - Miss Scott-Johnson
Curriculum – AS (Year 12)
The course is based on 100% exam at the end of the year.
|
Unit |
1 |
2 |
|
Length of exam |
1½ hours |
1½ hours |
|
Topics |
Memory, Attachment, Social Influence, Research Methods |
Psychopathology, Approaches in Psychology and Research Methods
|
Curriculum – A2 (Year 13)
The course is based on 100% exam at the end of the year.
|
Unit |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Length of exam |
2 hours |
2 hours |
2 hours |
|
Topics |
Memory, Attachment, Social Influence, Research Methods and Psychopathology |
Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology Research Methods and Issues and debates in Psychology. |
Gender, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology. |
The A-level specification followed for Psychology is AQA - www.aqa.org.uk
Trips
All students within the department have the opportunity to attend a Social Sciences Open Day at the University of Gloucestershire to experience a flavour of Psychology lectures at university. In addition to this, we attended a talk at the science festival we listened to a talk on crime and current research into this field of research.
Extracurricular activities
Every week, a catch up/revision session is run after school to give students an opportunity to access extra help and support with their studies.
Future possibilities
Psychology can lead to specific careers in Occupational, Clinical or Forensic Psychology, Criminology, Advertising and Marketing, counselling and therapy, but it is also a useful qualification to have if you are thinking of any career that involves dealing with people (almost everything!) An understanding of psychological procedures and principles would also be useful in careers such as teaching, health service related occupations, law (including police) and social work.
Should you have any questions, or are interested in taking Psychology A Level, please contact Miss Scott-Johnson – kscott-johnson@asachelt.org