PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT

What the PSYCHOLOGY Department is all about

The psychology department strives to promote, foster and encourage pupils’ interest, knowledge, understanding and participation in the nature and understanding of psychology.
The department aims to provide an enriching, positive and rewarding experience for all pupils and ensure that they achieve their full potential regardless of gender, culture, class, or ethnic origin; by this, making psychology accessible to all, using differentiation throughout its delivery to KS5. At Key Stage 5 the teaching staff will deliver the exam specification that is examined by AQA (A)
The aim of the syllabus is to promote a general understanding of human psychology
(Human behaviour with the influence of environmental factors). We look at the different processes involved in human behaviour, through the research that has been conducted. Through understanding the concepts and processes of human behaviour we also look at how research has been conducted and learn how to create a research project from a basic experimental question (Hypothesis).
It is not essential to have studies this subject prior to the sixth form. We do however need the student to have a good understanding of English Language, Maths and Science at GCSE level, as there are elements of Biology and Statistics covered in the course.
Psychology works in good combination with subjects such as the Humanities, Biology, Sociology, Media Studies and Performing/ Actual Arts.
It is accepted for a wide range of university degree courses such as Psychology (specific and non-specific), Sociology, Anthropology, Sports Science, Media Studies, Social Work, Law & Politics, and Medicine. It is also accepted in training courses for Health and Social Care, Personnel Management, Teaching, Leisure & Tourism, Police, Armed Forces, and Sports Trainers.

STAFFING

Ms K Bowman

Teacher of Psychology

Examinations taken at KS5

PYA1	Cognitive and Developmental Psychology and Research Methods	1.5hr paper	Sit in January	AS Level
PYA2	Physiological and Social Psychology and Individual Differences	1.5hr paper	Sit in June

	AS Level must be passed to move on to A2 Level
PYA3	Topics In Psychology	1½ hr paper	Sit in Jan	A2 Level
PYA4	Psychopathology, Psychology In Action and Research Methods	2hr paper	Sit in June

Extra-curricular Activities

Exam Based Student INSET for Revision

2008 RESULTS	2009 RESULTS	2010 RESULTS
KS5 A-C = 27% A-E = 100 %	KS5 A-E = 90 %	KS5 A-C = 20% A-E = 100 %