This course provides a broad, engaging, and coherent introduction to the subject and has the following aims:
· To develop student’s understanding of psychological concepts through learning the fundamentals of psychology, including key theories, approaches, and research methods.
· To enhance skills in critical analysis, independent thinking, and scientific research.
· To help students apply psychological knowledge to real-world scenarios and debates.
· To enable students to understand and evaluate psychological research through practical activities and scenario-based questions.
· To learn to interpret data and apply statistical techniques.
· To prepare students for higher education and careers in Psychology and related fields.
· To build on skills developed in both Science and the Humanities.
Few subjects are as broadly relevant as Psychology and as such, whilst it is commonly paired with other Science subjects, it can be equally as useful for a student studying the Humanities or the Creative Arts.
Entrance Requirements
Grade 7 or above in Mathematics, a Science AND a Humanities subject.
Course Content
The course is assessed over three written papers. The content of Paper 1 is covered during the Lower Sixth Form, the content of Paper 3 is covered during the Upper Sixth Form. The content of Paper 2 contains the overarching concepts in Psychology and hence is covered in different aspects throughout both years.
Assessment:
Paper 1
• Social influence
• Memory
• Attachment
• Psychopathology
Paper 2
• Approaches to psychology
• Biopsychology
• Research methods (scientific process/ data handling/ inferential testing)
Paper 3: Option paper
Issues and debates in psychology (compulsory)
Then option group from the following:
OPTION 1: Cognition & Development
OPTION 2: Schizophrenia
OPTION 3: Aggression