The Psychology Department

Psychology is currently offered in the Sixth form at Key Stage 5.

Why study Psychology?
Have you ever wondered why some people obey orders, even to the extent of killing someone? Why some people seem to develop mental health problems whilst others don’t? Why when we look at individuals in a relationshipwe feel that a large proportion are in ‘the same league as each other’ in terms of their physical attractiveness? Or howyou are able to remember some things, but not others?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions then studying psychology might just be for you. Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and themind; it seeks to understand, from a variety of perspectives, why different individuals behave in certain ways. It also pushes us towards greater self knowledge by making us more aware of our actions and personalities.

What will you study?

At AS Level

PSYA1: 25% of A Level grade

Cognitive Psychology: focusing on human memory and eye
witness testimony, Developmental Psychology: focusing on attachment and day care, Research Methods

PSYA2: 25% of A level grade

Biological Psychology: focusing on stress and stressmanagement,
Social Psychology: focusing on conformity and obedience,
Individual Differences: focusing on psychopathology

At A2 Level

PSYA3: 25% of A level grade
Biological Rhythms and Sleep, Relationships, Gender

PSYA4: 25% of A level grade
Psychopathology: focusing on Schizophrenia, Psychology in action: focusing on Media Psychology, Research Methods

Method of assessment
Both the AS and A2 year are 100% exam based – with two papers to be completed in the AS year and two papers to be completed in the A2 year.

Future prospects
The study of psychology can lead to a vast array of different careers in many areas including counselling, forensic
psychology and criminology, work in the police force and offender profiling, research and education, media, sports
psychology and social work.