Psychology
Oundle School - North Northamptonshire
01832277122
The Great Hall, New Street, Northamptonshire, PE8 4GH
Course summary

Psychology is about asking questions and evaluating our answers. Why do we think, feel and behave the way we do? How should we conduct psychological research that is scientific, ethical, and has practical applications? The emphasis in the course is on teaching pupils practical skills required for conducting research, evaluative skills needed to challenge established findings, and exploring the major theoretical approaches Psychology uses to explain human behaviour. Pupils will use these skills in looking at how Psychology is applied to everyday life. In all tasks we encourage a spirit of independent enquiry and a strong reliance upon scientific method. Psychology carefully and effectively bridges the gap between the sciences and humanities. It requires rigorously collected empirical evidence to be critically analysed in the form of extended answers, building on arguments and current debates.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement is three subjects in Grade 6 and three in Grade 7, or equivalent, at GCSE (including Mathematics and English). It is highly desirable to have a Grade 7, 8 or 9 in the subjects to be taken at Sixth Form and, in practice, most successful candidates will have an 8 or 9 or equivalent in most subjects.

How you'll be assessed

• Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology A combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing. This unit consists of four sections, each focusing on a compulsory topic: Social influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology. • Paper 2: Psychology in context A combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing. There are three sections, each focusing on a compulsory topic: Appoaches in psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods. Pupils need to show understanding of designing and conducting research and analysing data throughout this paper. • Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology The compulsory topic in this paper is Issues and Debates in Psychology. This will focus on Gender and culture, Free will and determinism, Nature-Nurture, Holism and reductionism and Ethical implications of conducting research. Assessment is through multiple choice and both short and extended answers.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast Midlands
Local AuthorityNorth Northamptonshire
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding Fee£34,515 - £45,435
Sixth Form Fee£22,350 - £29,370
AddressThe Great Hall, New Street, Northamptonshire, PE8 4GH