Psychology Department

The Psychology Department is led by Ms M. Bailey, Head of Social Sciences. Under her leadership, the department has enjoyed an outstanding record of success, with students achieving A level psychology results which place them in the top 10% of schools nationally.

Departmental Aims

The aim of the Psychology department is to provide students with the ability to question human behaviour and formulate analytical, unbiased explanations for individual differences. Students are encouraged to develop organisational and analytical skills and to communicate their ideas effectively and sensitively.

Resources

The Psychology department has a vast array of resources available including textbooks, Psychology Reviews, computer processed information and access to subject specific online programmes.

Curriculum in Key Stage 5

In years 12 and 13 students follow the AQA specification A. This specification allows students greater flexibility for developing their understanding of psychology. AQA also provides students with easy access to past examination papers and mark schemes online. The course is 100% examination and each examination is worth 25% of the total A level. There is no coursework. 

In year 12, students will complete six modules including cognitive, developmental, social and biological psychology, individual differences and research methods. The topics studied include explanations of human memory, the influence of attachments in early childhood, reasons for conformity and obedience, definitions of abnormality, treatment of mental disorders and bodily responses to stress.  

AS assessment involves two examinations. Each examination lasts 1½ hours:
  • 1. Written paper on cognitive and developmental psychology and research methods
  • 2. Written paper on individual differences, biological and social psychology

In year 13, students complete a further six modules and have two examinations. One of those modules includes the study of biological rhythms, sleep and dreaming, eating behaviours and explanations for relationships. Students analyse brain activity during sleep and assess theories of dreaming, they learn about psychological explanations for eating disorders, and analyse the formation, maintenance and breakdown of romantic relationships, including the influence of childhood and adolescent experiences on adult relationships. The examination for this module lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

The final module includes the study of psychopathology, psychology in action and psychological research and scientific methods. This module is concerned with developing an understanding of depression and anxiety disorders, including classification and treatment of mental disorders. Students will also learn about the psychology of addictive behaviour and the scientific research methodology which is used to assess it. The examination for this module lasts 2 hours.

A2 assessment involves two examinations:
  • 1. Written paper on sleep and dreaming, eating behaviours and relationships
  • 2. Written paper on psychopathology, psychology in action and research methods