Psychology

Course summary

Have you ever wondered what turns someone into a Psychopath? Why men reputedly don’t listen, and women allegedly can’t read maps? How much sleep your body really needs? Or why some people hear voices? Or why eyewitnesses can be unreliable? Have you ever considered how early life experiences affect future relationships or wondered how to decide if someone is suffering from a mental illness? These and many other questions are explored during an A Level Psychology course. Not only will you gain insights into the human mind, but you will also learn practical strategies that will help you in all areas of your life. In addition, the Psychology A Level course equips you with a number of important transferable academic skills such as the ability to write a scientific report, the ability to produce a clearly structured argument substantiated with evidence, the ability to evaluate methodology and weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of different types of explanation. A LEVEL Pupils study a variety of psychology topics, many linked to current affairs and mental health. Analytical and evaluation skills are developed throughout the course. Topics include: investigating classic research in Psychology, such as that of Milgram & Zimbardo; exploring cognitive neuroscience; biopsychology and understanding and using research methods. The study of the major issues and debates in Psychology, Schizophrenia, gender and forensic Psychology are studied in the second year of the course. During the course pupils will carry out a range of small-scale investigations which enable them to apply ethical guidelines and develop an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different research methodologies.