Psychology

Have you ever wondered why people behave the way they do? Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour and it seeks to understand how people think, feel and behave. Psychologists investigate the causes of behaviour employing scientific techniques.

Pupils can opt to study Pyschology at IB and A Level. The IB Psychology course takes an integrative approach by looking at psychological issues through three approaches (cores); the biological approach, the cognitive approach and the sociocultural approach. In the second year, pupils apply these core approaches to a choice of optional topics (abnormal psychology, psychology of human relationships, health psychology and developmental psychology). Higher level pupils study two topics, standard level pupils only one. The course is internal assessed with a task involving replicating a published experiment in a simplified form.

The A Level Psychology course differs quite significantly from the IB as it is all externally assessed, with pupils will sitting three 2-hour papers at the end of the course. The three papers address different aspects of psychological theory and knowledge, with a core thread of research methods and core approaches running throughout. The Psychology Department is committed to providing a vigorous and challenging A Level curriculum. The department delivers the course using a variety of methods, drawing on the most current pedagogical theory and learning and teaching techniques that have been vigorously tested through research-based enquiry. 

Pupils will be expected to demonstrate their prowess as independent learners, and are able to express these skills through challenging prep tasks and project work in class. They can also expect high levels of support and scaffolding from their contact time in lessons and are encouraged to seek extra help if they need support or to access the extension materials and reading area when they feel that they would like to supplement their work. 

The department aims to not only deliver the best possible curriculum but also to ensure that pupils are motivated to carry on the subject once they leave school; whether this be reading the subject at university or continuing to engage with the new scientific developments. The School’s Psychology Reading Club is designed for those who might wish to study Psychology at university and there is also a seminar group aimed at those with a broader interest in the subject.  

Studying psychology raises questions rather than providing clear cut answers. Pupils become reflective, open-minded and intellectually-curious learners. There is a strong focus on developing critical thinking skills as well as fostering intercultural understanding and respect.

Psychology is unlike any subject you have studied before – it is fascinating and relevant to all aspects of everyday life.

Head of Department: Julia Adlam