The Psychology Department
Psychology is a popular A level choice at Presdales with successful outcomes. It is taught by Mrs Nicholls (Head of Psychology) and Mrs Sykes (Assistant Head).
What is psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. In more simple terms, it is a subject that develops a greater understanding and appreciation of why individuals think and behave the way they do, considering both the ordinary and the extraordinary. Psychological understanding is underpinned by four main theoretical approaches: cognitive, biological, social and learning theories. Students study a range of topics looking through the lens of each approach with its own traditional assumptions and methodologies. For example, in biological psychology students study the role of hormones and brain structure on aggression, debating the fascinating question: ‘are criminals born or made?’ whereas in social psychology they look at the influence of situational, cultural and personality factors on obedience and prejudice.
Our Vision
The Psychology Department at Presdales School maintains high expectations of all its students and seeks to develop inquisitive thinkers who are keen to ask questions, challenge assumptions and apply their knowledge and understanding to a range of real world applications.
The department sees the subject as pivotal in creating well-balanced and empathetic members of society. Looking through the lens of the different theoretical perspectives and having an understanding of the wider ‘debates’ in psychology, students will gain a greater understanding of their own thoughts and behaviour and will be supported in developing a greater appreciation of diversity in society.
Students will be supported and challenged in developing a strong skill set: from the rigour of conducting and analysing scientific research including the use of mathematical functions, to the planning and expression of balanced and reasoned arguments.
Our Aim
- Provide all students with a worthwhile educational experience through well-designed schemes of work and own experimentation.
- To inspire all students to challenge their perceptions and stereotypes of human behaviour.
- To ensure all students have the basic knowledge and foundation of the psychological approaches in order to apply them to different aspects of the real world.
- Encourage students to develop empathy and understanding of individual differences in specific behaviours such as dyslexia, obedience, prejudice and anorexia.
- To use Psychological explanations in current key questions to develop student’s ability to see the purpose of Psychology, and understand its role in benefitting society.
- Encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and encourage independent study.
- Ensure that we maintain high levels of achievement for all.
Psychology
Entry requirements: GCSE grade 5 in Mathematics
GCSE grade 6 English Language and English Literature
GCSE grade 5 in Biology or 55 in Combined Science
Content
The Edexcel Psychology specification offers students the opportunity to gain a thorough introduction to the fascinating study of the human mind and behaviour. Students will study both classical and contemporary research, gaining an appreciation of the scientific research methods used by psychologists and how our understanding of psychology is applied today. Throughout the A level course, students will also develop the skills to analyse, assess and apply their knowledge to novel situations and research studies.
Year 12:
The topics in Year 1 focus on the areas of psychology that have laid the foundations of modern psychological understanding. Students look at four main psychological approaches: social, cognitive, biological and learning theories. The emphasis in Year 1 is on developing a strong understanding of topics, research methods and acquiring skills in evaluation, analysis and application of knowledge.
Year 13:
Year 2 builds on the knowledge acquired in Year 1, incorporating a higher level of understanding of psychological skills, research methods and synoptic analysis. Students will also apply their psychological understanding to the real world, with a focus on Clinical psychology and one other optional topic area.
Assessment
The A level is assessed through 3 external written papers at the end of Year 13:
• Paper 1: Foundations in psychology
• Paper 2: Applications of psychology (Clinical psychology and one optional topic from Criminological psychology, Child psychology and Health psychology)
• Paper 3: Psychological skills
Career Opportunities
A level Psychology lays the foundations for further studies in psychology at degree level and beyond. The skills students gain through studying A level Psychology are also useful to a range of careers such as teaching, law, police, medicine, health, marketing and business.
Year 13 Trip to Poland
