Psychology
Sherfield School - Hampshire
01256884800
Reading Road, Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hampshire, RG27 0HU
Course summary

Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour, bridging the social sciences and natural sciences. Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of psychological research; the ability to apply this knowledge to real life situations; critically analyse and evaluate the value of psychological research and its credibility as an explanation of human behaviour.

Entry requirements

Students must have achieved at least Grade 6 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature and Grade 6 in GCSE Biology or Grades 66 in GCSE Double Science. Students must also have achieved Grade 6 in GCSE Psychology (if studied).

How you'll be assessed

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (33.3% of A-Level grade) • Memory examines the structure of human memory, the reasons why people forget, factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony and improving the accuracy of memory. • Attachment examines explanations of attachment, cultural variations in attachment, disruption of attachment and the effect childhood attachment has on adult romantic relationships. • Social influence examines explanations of conformity and obedience to authority; as well as explanations of independent behaviour and the role of minority groups in social change. • Psychopathology examines definitions of abnormality as well as biological and psychological explanations of the cause and treatment of phobia's, depression and OCD. Paper 2: Psychology in Context (33.3% of A-Level grade) • Approaches in psychology examines the origins of psychology and assumptions of the biological, psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive and humanistic approaches • Research methods examine the way that psychologists design and analyse the data collected from investigations. At A level this also includes inferential analysis of data. • Biopsychology examines the structure and functions of the nervous system and endocrine system, as well as localisation of functions in the brain and biological rhythms. Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (33.3% of A-Level grade) • Issues and debates in psychology examines current issues and debates in psychological research such as cultural bias, reductionism vs holism and free vs determinism. • Relationships examines theories relating to the formation, maintenance and breakdown of relationships, as well as research into virtual relationships and para-social relationships. • Eating behaviours examines explanations of food preferences and the control of eating behaviour, as well as biological and psychological explanations of anorexia and obesity. • Addiction examines explanations for smoking and gambling addiction, risk factors in the development of addiction, as well as interventions used in the treatment of addiction.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityHampshire
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding Fee£22,380 - £35,970
Sixth Form Fee£12,105 - £20,175
AddressReading Road, Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hampshire, RG27 0HU