“We are what we are because we have been what we have been, and what is needed for solving the problems of human life and motives is not moral estimates but more knowledge.”Sigmund Freud
Psychology is a hugely accessible subject that appeals to a diversity of pupils . Psychologists have a ‘toolkit’ that contains a set of explanations (tools) which they use to explain behaviour. It is a scientific discipline and pupils are encouraged to place considerable emphasis on how research progresses through to empirical findings with research methods contextualised in every unit.
Studying Psychology will help pupils develop skills of logic, analysis, interpretation and evaluation. Pupils have opportunities to design and report practical investigations and consider ethical issues surrounding the use of human participants in psychological research.
A level
Course Content and Assessment – Examination Board: AQA, Code: 7182
The examination consists of three separate equally weighted papers. All modules are assessed by a written examination. There is no coursework.
- Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology (Written exam: 2 hours, 33.3% of the qualification)
- Paper 2: Psychology in context (Written exam: 2 hours, 33.3% of the qualification)
- Paper 3: Issues and options in Psychology (Written exam: 2 hours, 33.3% of the qualification)
Co-Curricular
The department runs a Psychology Society where pupils are invited to deliver lectures and undertake their own independent research. There are opportunities to act as a Psychology Prefect to contribute to the department and curriculum or a Psychology Society Lead to develop the Lower School Psychology Club.
All pupils benefit from numerous opportunities to take part in practical research projects such as the infamous Flour Baby Experiment! Enrichment is supported by academic conferences, guest speakers and educational trips e.g. to the Bethlem Hospital.
Careers & Higher Education
Possible careers related to Psychology include childcare/nursery nursing, teaching, educational psychology, social work, caring for the elderly or disabled, psychiatric nursing, marketing, public relations/personnel, criminology, forensic psychology, counselling, clinical psychology or psychiatry pursued through medicine.
A Level Psychology is not a prerequisite for studying Psychology at degree level but for pupils prepared for an academically challenging and tantalising subject, it should satisfy!
