Psychology
Student Comments: “Psychology is a fun, exciting subject with interesting topics and lessons” “Psychology is fun and unique…. I’ve actually wanted to learn and know more”
Psychology enables students to apply research and theoretical explanations of behaviour to everyday situations. The subject looks for scientific evidence rather than the ‘common sense’ explanations we may use as individuals and it encourages the girls to think about their own behaviour and that of others in a more insightful and evaluative way.
As this is an inter-disciplinary subject and no prior knowledge of Psychology is expected, the girls are able to discover more about the subject through a Psychology intoduction taster day held in Year 11.
There are two courses available, both part of a modular A Level programme of the OCR Examination Board. A one year course leading to AS Level, and a two-year course leading to Advanced Level. Consequently there are four different assessments for the full A Level. Two units (G541, G542) are completed in the first year of study, with units G543 and G544 after two years.
The AS course enables students to conduct practical work by carrying out four investigations of their own using the range of research methods taught. The studies are categorised under the five core areas of psychology: Cognitive Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology and Psychology of Individual Differences.
At A2 level, students are ready to develop and apply the introductory knowledge they have gained, using their understanding of research methods to design and outline a piece of their own research. In addition, they will study two specialist topic areas: Health and Clinical and Forensic Psychology, both are relatively new areas and continue to develop in term of research findings and career options. Health encompasses not only dysfunctional behaviour, but also the whole area of human health. Forensics applies psychological understanding, through rational thought, linked to the criminal justice system.
A wide variety of teaching methods are used to help the girls develop their study skills, report writing and evaluative ability. We have developed our own resources and workbooks to support and enrich the learning environment of the girls. We are keen to engage them in hands-on activities, with crime scene investigation days helping to bring their learning to life. We arrange visits to Magistrates Courts and Prisons (part of their Crime module), these broaden the girls’ experiences and link their knowledge with real-world applications, increasing their enthusiasm and understanding of the subject.