Courses / Psychology
Psychology
Psychology will suit students who are interested in the complex scientific processes of the human mind and behaviour. Potential students must be committed to extensive textbook reading and competent with biology and maths. The course investigates causal factors behind behaviours including obedience, schizophrenia and criminal behaviour and explores the scientific methods (such as laboratory experiments) used to collect and analyse data about these behaviours. We then explore theories and supporting research studies. Students will need to describe, apply and critically evaluate these concepts, as well as developing skills in analysis to write coherent and extended essays.
You will be exposed to the study of the human mind and behaviour, learning about theoretical and evidence based causes for a variety of human behaviours and in some instances how to treat them.
The expansion of your scientific reasoning and mathematical skills will underpin all of learning in Psychology which will be combined with refining your abilities to express that content in extended essays.
Most of all you will learn about humans, how and why we work the ways that we do and how best to understand it all.
What will I be taught?
In the first year you will study:
Paper 1
- Social
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
Paper 2
- Approaches
- Research methods
- Biopsychology
In the second year you will study:
Paper 3
- Issues and debates
And then one from the following options chosen by the departments
- option 1:
Relationships, Gender, or Cognition - option 2:
Schizophrenia, Eating Behaviour, or Stress - option 3:
Forensic Psychology, Addiction, or Aggression
• AQA past papers
• Interactive online quizzes & Kahoots
• Group work and research
Topics covered will include:
• Social
• Memory
• Attachment
• Psychopathology
• Approaches
• Research Methods
• Bio psych
• Relationship
• Schizophrenia
• Forensics
• Issues and debates
Based on research into how students learn best, each subject will set independent work to allow you to recap what you have done in the past, consolidate understanding for what you are studying in the present and develop the skills and experiences which will help you for the future. You can read more about the college’s approach to independent study here
The Past
Click here for the suggested ongoing revision activities in this subject which research has shown are most likely to boost your achievement
The Present
Each subject will set weekly homework tasks to help you consolidate your understanding and prepare for your next lesson. This work is typically set through Microsoft Teams, so you will have an electronic log of all your work, notes and feedback.
The Future
A key part of your independent work in this subject will be to prepare for a range of potential jobs and higher education courses when you leave us. To get started, look below at the top higher education courses and jobs which previous students of this course have gone on to do.
As part of a wider programme this course provides an excellent basis for progression to many careers or university courses – psychology can be found everywhere!
Former students of this college have gone on to study a variety of course at university; Psychology (whether that be pure psychology, applied or specified courses such as forensic, sport etc,) Mental Health Nursing, Business, Law, Drama – the list is endless!
5 x GCSE grades 4-9 (incl. English Language)
Additional Requirements
5 in English Langauge
5 in Maths
5 or above in Biology and Chemistry/Physics (or 55 double award Science)
Not essential but it will help your success…
Commitment and enthusiasm for using data and research evidence to support the arguments for where specific human behaviours originate from. A good work ethic to extra reading and essay writing is essential.
Pairs well with other essay based subjects as well as sciences. You prefer to do a course based on final exams only.
Teaching contact time is 4 hours and 20 minutes per subject. Other workshops will be available throughout the year including over some holiday periods. Students are expected to complete up to 4 hours of independent study to complete assignments, homework, extra reading and independent research.
100% exam
3 exams, all equally weighted, at the end of the 2 year course.