Psychology
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Psychology
Head of Subject: 
Helen Ryder
“The mind is like an iceberg, it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water.”
- Sigmund Freud
Please click the links below for further information on the Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 courses which the College offers.
Key Stage 4
Overview of the course
GCSE Psychology is designed to inspire and engage learners by providing a broad and worthwhile course of study which develops an understanding of the ideas and values that characterise ‘self’ and others.
During the GCSE you will...
Use specialist vocabulary, psychological concepts, terminology and conventions to engage in the process of psychological enquiry |
Understand how psychological research is conducted, including the role of scientific method and data analysis |
Present information, develop arguments and draw conclusions through a critical approach to psychological evidence, developing as reflective thinkers |
Develop an understanding of the relationship between psychology and personal, moral, social and cultural issues, and develop an understanding of ethical issues in psychology |
Develop an understanding of psychological issues, the contribution of psychology to individual, social and cultural diversity, and how psychology contributes to society |
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What will you study?
Key topics include:
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Criminal Psychology |
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Development Psychology |
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Psychological Problems |
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Memory |
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Social Influence |
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Sleep and Dreaming |
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Research Methods |
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Assessment
There is no coursework in GCSE Psychology. You will be examined by completing two examinations at the end of Year 11.
These examinations are both worth 50% of your overall GCSE grade and are 1 hour 30 minutes each in length.
The examination has a mixture of questions for you to answer:
Short Answer Questions |
Extended Answers |
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Possible career path
What can you do with Psychology? The short answer is... lots!!
Possible career paths could include:
Criminology |
Teaching |
Medicine
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Police
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Criminal Justice System |
Social Work |
Journalist |
Advertising |
Business |
Educational Research |
Educational Psychologist |
Politics |
Sports Therapist |
Occupational Health |
Key Stage 5
Overview of the course
It is an extremely popular subject and for good reason… we are all interested in people! We spend much of our time thinking and talking about why people behave as they do. This is an opportunity to gain a scientific insight into the human mind and behaviour.
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What kind of student is this course suitable for?
You do not have to have a Psychology GCSE to study this course but should have an established interest in the subject and enjoy wider reading of the relevant literature. The course will appeal to those students who:
Have an interest in human behaviour |
Want to go beyond ‘common sense’ explanations |
Enjoy studying a subject that is relevant to their own lives and experiences |
Enjoy a scientific approach |
Are willing to consider evidence critically |
Psychology is recognised by employers, Further Education and Higher Education institutions as a subject that develops a wide range of skills and understanding.
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What will you study?
There are eight compulsory topics of study across the A Level course including...
Social influence |
Memory |
Attachment |
Psychopathology |
Approaches in Psychology |
Biopsychology |
Research
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Issues and debates
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Some questions you will explore over the course include:
Why do people change their behaviour in a group situation? |
How does
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Are the attachment types of babies different across the world? |
How do we define what is
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Is human behaviour
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Assessment
The A Level is assessed via exams – there is no coursework involved.
As this is a linear course, content from across the two years of study will be examined at the end of the second year.
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two hours | Two hours |
Introductory Topics in Psychology |
Psychology in Context |
| Paper 3 |
| Two hours |
Issues and Options in Psychology |
All papers carry equal weighting.
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Possible career path?
Employment opportunities exist in...
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Education |
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Health |
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Business |
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Government |
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Armed Forces |
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Law Enforcement |
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Prison Services |
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Psychology links at Higher Education:
In addition to Psychology, some of the courses students may choose to study at Higher Education include...
Sociology |
Law |
Teaching |
Sports Studies |
Nursing and Medicine |
Youth and Community Studies |
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Entry requirements
Students should have five GCSEs Grade 9-5, including:
Grade 6 in English
Grade 5 in Mathematics
and