Psychology

Course summary

Psychology continues to be a popular choice in the Sixth Form at Plymouth College. Pupils studying the course enjoy this novel and fascinating subject which has applications to real life and is relevant for all future education and career paths. As well as gaining an insight into a variety of topics within this vast science, pupils develop valuable and transferable skills. These include being able to analyse research and theories in terms of their strengths and limitations; being able to apply their knowledge of Psychology to scenarios and novel situations and, of course, developing a deeper understanding of why humans behave the way that they do. Psychology pupils learn about what memory actually is, why we forget and whether it is reliable when giving an eyewitness testimony. Other areas covered include the attachment between a child and a caregiver and whether disrupting this can have negative consequences. Further topics include types of conformity and why we feel the need to conform; the reasons behind why people obey even when they know that their actions will cause harm; definitions of and explanations for abnormal behaviours (for example, phobias) together with therapies to treat these abnormalities. The specification followed is AQA and for the full A Level qualification, three exam papers need to be completed in the Summer of Upper Sixth.