Psychology
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.
The scientific study of the mind and behaviour.
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 a mock trial at the Royal Courts of Justice 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.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in Biology, or 6/6 in dual award Science.
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.
Topics Covered
Over the two year course, students will study the following:
- Social influence – why people conform and obey, and how social change can occur.
- Memory – different theories of how memory works, why we forget and how the police force can improve the accuracy of eye witness testimony.
- Attachment – why it is so important for babies to form good attachments with their parents.
- Psychopathology – looking at the symptoms of three common mental illnesses, along with explanations and treatments.
- Approaches – different perspectives to studying human behaviour as well as the origins of psychology.
- Biopsychology – exploring the biological basis of behaviour.
- Research methods – how psychological research works. Students will experience the processes of planning experiments, collecting and analysing data.
- Issues and debates – nature versus nurture, reductionism versus holism, free will versus determinism, and issues of gender and culture bias in Psychology.
- Cognition and Development – how childrens’ internal mental processes develop throughout their life, for example perception and social cognition.
- Schizophrenia – symptoms, explanations and treatments.
- Forensic psychology – why people commit crimes and how society should deal with criminals. During the Upper Sixth we visit the Royal Courts of Justice to take part in a mock trial.
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.
Enrichment Opportunities
• MindSoc
• Observation of animal behaviour at Marwell Zoo
• Talk from a trauma specialist
• Mock trial at The Royal Courts of Justice
• Visit to Bethlem Royal Hospital
• Interactive workshop with a neuroscientist
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Psychology Department, email psychology@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Mrs E. Brindley-Ewan BA |
Head of Psychology |
| Mr C.J.C. Jackson BSc |
Psychology, Biology, Head of Wellbeing |
