Psychology

‘The scientific study of the mind and behaviour’. Skills Required

An interest in ‘people’ is essential to the study of Psychology. Students can succeed in Psychology if they have strengths in Science or Humanities subjects, as it incorporates skills from both areas.

Course Overview

Psychology is the second most popular A Level and degree course in the UK, demonstrating that although Psychology is a new subject for many at A Level it often becomes a passion that develops into a lifelong career. Students are encouraged to become independent thinkers who can critically analyse. The course is broad, for example the many facets that make someone ‘them’ is taught, including the influence of genes, upbringing and the environment on behaviour. Key historical events that changed the world are explored and students analyse how these can be explained from a psychological perspective. The causes and treatments of mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD and schizophrenia are also investigated. All students have the opportunity to carry out and analyse their own research throughout the course, for example in the First Year students visit Marwell Zoo to observe animal behaviour. Other course events include visiting the Freud museum and an interactive ‘Brain Day’ for which an acclaimed neuroscientist helps students to understand the influence of the brain on behaviour.

Lessons are interactive and varied, incorporating many pedagogical methods. Students become independent learners who have confidence in their abilities and understand their learning style. Booklets are used to aid organised note taking. Lunchtime workshops are available for anyone who would like extra help, including ‘drop-in’ workshops for those who would like to discuss a topic one-on-one with a teacher and taught workshops where students can revisit topics or skills in small groups. There is also a weekly Psychology Society where areas beyond the specification are explored and speakers are invited to talk about their specialism. These sessions are invaluable for those who want to study Psychology at university.

Psychology is recognised by universities as a rigorous and demanding Science A Level, and is valuable for students who may wish to progress to degree courses in clinical subjects (medicine, physiotherapy, veterinary sciences, nursing), social work, and education. A Psychology degree is essential for Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology and Forensic Psychology, and can lead to many other specialist fields such as Sports Psychology and Human Resources. It is also very useful for other careers such as business, journalism and law.

Methods of Assessment

We follow the AQA specification. There are three examination papers, all taken at the end of the Upper Sixth. They include a mixture of multiple choice, short and longer questions, with the longest requiring about 500 words of writing. There is no assessed coursework but students undertake their own psychological research, with guidance, during the Lower Sixth.