Psychology

  

Psychology Department Intent

​To encourage individuals to enquire about the human mind scientifically and to consider how it dictates and influences our behaviour, mental processes, emotions and well-being.

Key stage 5

Introduction
Psychology is the scientific study of how our brain functions and why we behave the way we do. It is as scientific as Biology but without the gory bits! 
Psychologists formulate theories, test hypotheses and analyse the findings with statistical techniques that help them identify important findings about human behaviour. Psychology contributes to many different disciplines and is valuable in many different careers.

What do students study?

• Cognitive Psychology: memory, eye-witness testimony, cognitive interviews, memory improvement strategies
• Developmental Psychology: attachment in childhood, effects of deprivation and privation, research into the impact of day care
• Biological Psychology: stress, biological responses, physical responses, treatments and therapies
• Social Psychology: social influence, obedience, conformity, social change
• Individual Differences - psychopathology (abnormality): psychological approaches to mental disorders, treatments and therapies
• Scientific research and the scientific method
• Psychopathology: Schizophrenia – theories and treatments
• Psychology in Action: anomalistic psychology – study of the paranormal, psychic healing, superstition and coincidence etc. 
• Psychological research and scientific method
• Topics in Psychology: biological rhythms and sleep, perception, eating behaviour

​On this course there will be opportunities to conduct some fun experiments as well as trips linked to specific areas of the course.  
 
By the end of your course, you should have developed a critical approach to scientific methods, evidence and theories, and a knowledge and understanding of how psychology works and its role in society. You will also develop skills including: oral, visual and written communication problem solving.

How are students assessed?
The A Level qualification is linear and will be assessed over two years. The assessment is made up of written examinations, which include multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

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Resources that the psychology department use are primarily the textbooks AQA A Level Psychology by Illuminate publishing and also model materials from https://www.loopa.co.uk.