Psychology

Aims

  • To develop in pupils the ability to plan a logical sequence of procedures towards a given objective and to pursue goals which can be realistically achieved according to their ability.
  • To encourage independent learning and the development of critical thinking skills.
  • To provide opportunities to apply psychological knowledge and understanding of the specified content in a range of contexts.
  • To provide opportunities for the enjoyment of skilled practical research activities and the achievement of effective outcomes.
  • To develop in pupils the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT).
  • To ensure consideration of the management of risk in carrying out practical research activities.
  • To develop a range of communication skills.
  • To encourage pupils to appreciate the benefits of working with others in teams.
  • To provide pupils with opportunities to evaluate their own work and the work of others.

Staffing

Miss Lough
Mrs Mawhinney

Subject Overview

Psychology is taught at Key Stage 5 (AS and A Level)

Psychology involves thinking in a scientific way and carrying out research to test out theories. Studying Psychology will help students to develop a very broad range of skills such as analysis, evaluation and written communication.

Students of Psychology will develop their knowledge on Psychological approaches, mental illnesses, social influences and group processes and attachment theories. They will also develop skills in order to think critically and apply their knowledge to real life contexts and situations e.g. eye witness testimony, memory aids, increasing obedience and therapies for mental illness.  Participation in the course will also develop skills which are essential for carrying out scientific research and presenting the findings e.g. designing research and presenting their results by using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics and graphs.

As such, the Psychology course offers the chance to develop relevant skills and knowledge which are useful in a wide range of workplace settings and career pathways.  An interest in people, including their internal processing and relationships with each other, should help to motivate students in studying this subject.  Confidence in the core subject areas of Mathematics, Science and English are also advantageous in giving students a firm platform from which to begin their Psychology studies.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182

Year 12 Introduction To Psychology 2017 – New Specification

Career Opportunities

Here are just a few examples of a wide range of courses and careers for which Psychology is useful:

  • Educational psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Forensic psychologist
  • Sports psychologist
  • Clinical psychologist
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Health psychologist
  • Occupational psychologist
  • Researcher in psychology
  • Teacher
  • Nursing
  • Social work