Psychology
STAFF
Our Head of Psychology is Miss A G Wilkie
All staff have exam board experience and a broad range of subject specialisms.
FACILITIES
The department teaches in a suite of rooms on the ground floor of the Mark Hopton Building, all of which are equipped with interactive white boards and audiovisual facilities. All Sixth Form students have access to independent-study rooms located in the Cooper Building, where they can build upon their knowledge and understanding of Psychology using our dedicated online resources.
The department has taken a leading role in the school’s initiative to increase the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Centralised resources are provided in digital format for all students, alongside a bank of study skills support and revision guidance and resources.
CURRICULUM
SIXTH FORM
Psychology is offered at A Level only and we follow the AQA Psychology specification. In the first year, students study a range of modules including memory, social influence, psychopathology, attachment, biopsychology, and approaches. In the Upper Sixth, students develop an advanced understanding of different approaches in Psychology by studying schizophrenia, aggression, relationships and related issues and debates. Students also study the nature of the scientific method in an applied context in both years.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY AT A LEVEL
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
STRETCH & CHALLENGE
All students are encouraged to explore new research online, and have access to school copies of The Psychologist which is a BPS publication with current psychological research. Lower Sixth students have the opportunity to join our ‘Psychology Society’ where they take a leading role in researching and discussing psychological theory beyond the specification, making links to current issues and real-world phenomena.
TRIPS & VISITS
Upper Sixth students have the opportunity to attend ‘Brain Day’ led by Neuroscientist Dr Guy Sutton. Students learn about the working and damaged brain, hear about a range of unique cases of when things go wrong in brain development, and the impact that can have on the development of mental illnesses and criminal behaviour.
DESTINATIONS
In recent years students have gone on to read Psychology at Oxford, Durham, Nottingham, Leeds and Manchester amongst other universities.