Psychology

Psychology as a discipline:

Whilst Psychology did not emerge as a separate discipline until the late 1800s, its earliest history can be traced back to the time of the early Greeks. During the 17th-century, the French philosopher Rene Descartes introduced the idea of dualism, which asserted that the mind and body were two separate entities that interact to form the human experience. Many other issues still debated by psychologists today, such as the relative contributions of nature versus. nurture, are rooted in these early philosophical traditions. While early philosophers relied on methods such as observation and logic, today’s psychologists utilise scientific methodologies to study and draw conclusions about human thought and behaviour. Physiology also contributed to psychology’s eventual emergence as a scientific discipline. Early Physiology research on the brain and behaviour had a dramatic impact on Psychology, ultimately contributing to the application of scientific methodologies to the study of human thought and behaviour.

Psychology in School – the story so far...

• First offered as a subject in School in 1999 • Curriculum 2000: assessment structure was 4 units and 2 pieces of coursework • 2010: Coursework no longer • 2015: A Level reform. Exams at the end of 2 years – 3 x2 hours exams – things have gone full circle to when Mrs Sanders and Mr Berry did their

A Levels!! • 2001: Mrs Sanders started and taught 1 small group of Upper Sixth and 2 small groups of Lower Sixth. The subject has continued to grow in popularity since and now comprises 11 groups across the foundation and somewhere in the region of 100 students. • 2009: Mr Radcliffe joined the department as a part-time teacher. • 2012: Psychology became the first subject to be cross-foundational. Mrs

Sanders was appointed Head of Department for Boys’ as well as Girls’

Division. All three members of the department now teach both boys and girls but in separate classes across the Foundation. • 2012: Mr Berry joined the department. As the subject grows so do the opportunities to extend students’ knowledge of Psychology outside the classroom: • Trip to London: includes Freud Museum, Jack the Ripper, Science museum • Poland trip: includes a visit to Auschwitz to support learning of the topic of ‘obedience’ Many students go on to study the subject at degree level both in this country and overseas, for example, Isabelle Gore-Ward who is now studying Psychology in Canada.

The Cambridge Essay Writing Competition

In Psychology, we have also established a proud tradition within this highly prestigious annual competition alongside notable recent successes. Rachel Zarrouk won first prize in 2012. This included a cash prize of £300 and her attendance (accompanied by Mrs Sanders) at a celebratory dinner. The pair spent the day at Newnham College in the company of Senior Professors of Psychology. This was followed by further success last year, when Paloma Shakouri received special recognition for her essay on the development of concept formation in children and how this impacts upon their language skills. The competition provides an excellent opportunity for potential Psychology undergraduates to broaden their knowledge of the subject beyond the confines of the A Level specification.

Research experience at Manchester University

The University of Manchester offers 20 places for students from all over the country to apply for work experience within their Psychology department. The competition was fierce and one of our Year 13 students, Charlotte Holden, won a place. “I participated in work experience at the University of Manchester in the Psychology department. The work experience consisted of university styled lectures, seminars and performing our own experiments. The work experience was run by professors at the University who were carrying out their own research on gesture and how individuals respond to gestures they are given. Personally, I found the university lectures the most appealing and fascinating; this was because I am particularly interested in clinical psychology and sleep patterns. I met a variety of people from different cultural backgrounds from all over the UK, who like me had an interest in Psychology. I thoroughly enjoyed the work experience and left the week knowing I wanted to pursue a career in Psychology.”