Psychology

Departmental Aims

• To ignite curiosity regarding the various causes of human behaviour
• To develop understanding of how society makes decisions and the role of Psychology in contributing to the economy and wider society.

A Level Curriculum

Studying Psychology offers students the opportunity to learn core scientific psychological knowledge and develop theoretical and practical skills valued by higher education and employers such as critical analysis, independent thinking and practical research.

The study of Psychology contributes to students’ broader understanding of scientific, ethical and social issues. It promotes understanding of the self and others, and challenges previously acquired perceptions.

We follow the AQA specification and study topics such as social influence, memory, attachment, approaches, clinical psychology and mental health and research methods in Year 12. We then go on in Year 13 to explore issues and debates in psychology, relationships, schizophrenia and forensic psychology.

Co-curricular, Enrichment, Extension and Support

• Twilight Support: This runs every Wednesday between 4pm and 5pm in the Wilden Room to help support students with Psychology. This complements the support students receive from their teachers on a day-to-day basis
• PPE Society: Sessions are run by our Psychology reps every Monday lunchtime for Years 12-13 to look at current issues beyond the scope of the A Level course
• External speakers: There are opportunities throughout the year for students to hear from visiting speakers who work within different fields of Psychology