WELCOME TO SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT - PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. It is concerned with the investigation of what people do and why they do it. Psychologists use a variety of research methods. They collect and analyse information about people’s behaviour and apply their knowledge and understanding to real-life situations. Psychology can be studied alongside a wide range of other A-level subjects.
KEY STAGE 3
Unfortunately you won't be able to do Psychology at Key Stage Three, but if you work hard in subjects like English, History and Citizenship, you will be able to take it in Key Stage Four.
KEY STAGE 4
In Key Stage 4, we introduce you to Psychology. You will look at how we make sense of other people by looking at memory, non-verbal communication, the development of personality, stereotyping and research methodologies. You will then move on to look at understanding other people through the study of learning, social influences, sex and gender and aggression. You will learn how to think inside and outside of the box.
A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY
The AS level course provides a broad critical introduction to psychological ideas (theories) and methods (research evidence) and uses these to analyse and examine a number of contemporary issues. The areas studied are memory and eyewitness testimony, attachments in development and day care, stress and stress management, individual differences, social influence, ethical guidelines and research methods.
The A2 (A level) course builds on the AS foundation and further develops your critical and investigative skills. During the course, you will be expected to take part in group activities and presentations, as well as undertake independent study and research. You will develop an understanding of the research methods used in Psychology and be introduced to the basic statistical techniques needed to analyse the results of your own research investigation. You will also need to develop your critical and analytical skills in evaluating psychological evidence.
PSYCHOLOGY IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY
Psychology is all about the wider community and everything that is in it and inside the heads of its people. Where it takes you is up to you!
