Psychology

AIMS

We aim to provide students with a breadth of knowledge about a range of seminal studies and theories in Psychology, bringing them to life through practical application of research methods and wide-ranging interactive activities. We encourage passion for our subjects, leading students to enjoy their study of Psychology. Fundamentally, we strive to ensure each student achieves their personal best academically, whatever their starting point, so that they can successfully transition into higher education or training courses of their choice.

CURRICULUM 

We follow the AQA curriculum in Psychology. Topics are ordered methodically to allow progression of knowledge over time and to ensure students can confidently access the subject content.

Year 12 students complete the following topics:

  • Research Methods: Students study different ways in which research can be conducted. They discuss the strengths and limitations of each method and apply this knowledge to a wide range of pieces of research.
  • Approaches: Students investigate the main theoretical perspectives in Psychology and learn how these have been implemented over Psychology’s lifespan as a separate academic discipline.
  • Memory: Students learn about different theoretical models of memory, what causes us to forget and how research has progressed our understanding of eye-witness testimony.
  • Social Influence: Students discuss how factors including conformity, obedience and minority influence affect our behaviour. They additionally learn about reasons people may resist social influence.
  • Attachment: Students discover the importance of the early bonds humans have with their care-givers. They discuss how this area has been impacted by animal research, as well as looking at a selection of case studies into lack of attachment in humans.
  • Psychopathology: Students learn about different definitions of abnormality in the context of Psychology. They investigate the explanations for and treatments of Phobias, Depression and OCD.

Year 13 students complete the following topics:

  • Biopsychology: Students investigate the functions of different areas of the brain, functional recovery and biological rhythms. They cover the effects of different neurochemicals on behaviour and responses such as the fight or flight response.
  • Gender: Students discuss the development of gender roles, biological and psychological explanations for ender development and differences in gender.
  • Schizophrenia: Students learn about the classification and diagnosis of Schizophrenia, biological and psychological explanations for the development of schizophrenia and discuss the effectiveness of a range of therapies for the condition.
  • Forensic Psychology: Students discuss explanations of offending and ways of dealing with offending behaviour. They investigate different profiling techniques and apply their understanding of the approaches to their learning.
  • Issues and Debates including comparison of approaches: Students discuss the influence of nature and nurture, free-will and determinism, and holism and reductionism on behaviour. Topics such as whether Psychology should focus on individual experience or create generalisable explanations are also discussed.

Further information can be found by accessing the following link:https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182/changes-for-2022

FACILITIES & RESOURCES

Students are taught in a Psychology specific classroom which is designed to have a range of bespoke resources available for them. Guidance for examination technique is clearly displayed and there are a range of wider reading opportunities for them in both our QR code library and selection of hard copies of books. Students are also provided with access to the following to enable them to succeed in Psychology:

  • Both digital and hard copies of our course textbooks
  • Class resources tailored specifically for QEGS students
  • Online activities delivered via Google Classroom, including access to all the Powerpoints, worksheets and handouts provided in class
  • A Google Site which acts as a hub for specification details, practice examination questions, links to revision websites, interesting podcasts and documentaries linked to our specification and study skills booklets

TRIPS & VISITS

In the past we have visited a Psychology conference in London, hearing from seminal researchers including Professor Elizabeth Loftus. We have visited Blackburn Hospital to discuss routes into psychiatry and held talks from guest speakers regarding various careers related to mental healthcare. We had previously planned a joint Psychology and Sociology trip to London to visit the Royal Courts of Justice, the Clink Prison Museum, and many more sites which link to the study of both Forensic Psychology and Crime and Deviance. Unfortunately, the trip was unable to go ahead due to COVID restrictions coming into place, however we look forward to being able to offer similar opportunities in the future.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

We offer a bi-weekly Film and Book Club for pupils in Year 11 to introduce them to a range of the features of the Psychology and Sociology courses. We have investigated links to the subjects in a range of contexts and discussed how both subjects can be applied to real life. Additionally, students in Psychology have entered essay-writing competitions in which they write about topics beyond the specification, applying their knowledge and further developing their research skills. Topics have included “To what extent is the mind just the product of a biological computer” and “How deeply ingrained is our sense of self?” Students also benefit from intervention clinics to ensure they have access to additional help should they need it.

For more information please contact:

Mrs KL Redwood

Subject Leader – Psychology & Sociology