Psychology
The A Level Psychology course is designed to ignite a passion for understanding the complexities of human behaviour, thought processes, and emotions. The course aims to cultivate a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore both classic and contemporary psychological theories, alongside the scientific methods that drive psychological research. Through engagement with diverse topics such as cognitive processes, developmental psychology, social influence, and mental health, students will build a comprehensive knowledge base while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. The course is committed to fostering a deep sense of curiosity and an analytical approach to real-world issues, empowering students to appreciate the relevance of psychology in everyday life. By applying psychological principles to personal, social, and ethical dilemmas, students will develop empathy and ethical awareness, gaining an understanding of the diversity of human experience. In addition to academic growth, the course challenges students to enhance their ability to evaluate evidence, think independently, and communicate complex ideas clearly. It aims to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in further education, future careers, and as informed, responsible individuals in society.
Our Church of England CHRIST values are embedded within Psychology and students can demonstrate these values during their A-Level in the following ways by:
- Being Courageous in seeing how Psychology can explain a range of behaviours, both positive and negative, and understanding that all behaviours have complex reasons behind them.
- Being Hard working in the pursuit of psychological knowledge through research and study.
- Being Reflective about how psychologists have differing and sometimes opposing views on explaining behaviours and which view they might agree with and why?
- Being Inspirational in challenging psychological theories and sharing their own view with other students.
- Being Supportive in sharing their thoughts, feelings and ideas about the topics covered and sensitive to the circumstances of others.
- Being Tenacious in their study of Psychology by always asking ‘so what’ when critically evaluating theories and research evidence.
A Level Psychology
Many students choose to study Psychology at A-level as it a very broad subject which focuses on the scientific study of the brain and behaviour. Year One topics include looking at how memory works and how research into this field has broadened our understanding of the fallibility of memory. Social Influence, which looks at why people conform and obey and Clinical Psychology, which focuses on mental illness and how research has helped to develop treatments for common disorders including anxiety and phobias. Psychology is classed as a science A-Level, therefore there is a significant biological focus across topics along with a Biopsychology unit which focuses on investigating aspects of brain function and how this affects behaviour. There is also a mathematical component within Research Methods to ensure students develop a good understanding of the scientific nature of the subject. In Year Two students’ study topics that further develop their understanding consisting of Relationships, Schizophrenia and Addiction, and students will also cover key issues and debates within the Social Sciences. This topic looks at trying to answer questions such as is our behaviour due to our nature or nurture? Do we have free will? Should a behaviour be explained taking a reductionist or holistic view?