Psychology
Psychology is a subject that provides a valuable background in understanding human nature, interactions and behaviour. It is useful not only to the individual in an everyday context but also in a wide range of career options including business, the sciences and humanities.
Skills required to succeed at A Level Psychology include a good command of the English language, an analytical and critical mind, an awareness of moral standards applied to research and an interest in the sciences.
Key Stage 5
At the Marist Senior School Psychology is offered as an A Level subject.
We follow the popular AQA (A) specification which provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of Psychology. Learning approaches include discussion and debate, independent research, teacher exposition, practical investigation and pupil presentations.
Psychology at A Level encourages the application of scientific methodology in a research context and the application of different approaches and critical thinking skills within the context of topic areas.
Topics covered at AS and A2 include:
- Cognitive Psychology which focuses on thought processes such as those involved in memory
- Physiological Psychology, based on how brain structure, genetics and the body’s chemical systems have an effect on human behaviour and emotions
- Developmental Psychology, involving social, moral and cognitive development of the individual from infancy through to late adulthood
- Psychopathology, which is about the causes and treatment of mental disorders
- Social Psychology, focusing on relationships and interactions between individuals and groups, for example, in the context of social influence and peer pressure
- Scientific method applied to Psychological research
Enrichment Opportunities
Each year Psychology students are offered the opportunity to attend events such as conferences that serve to illustrate the application of Psychology beyond the school curriculum.
These provide students with further insight into possible careers involving Psychology. They also serve to encourage interest, creating an awareness of recent research developments and their applications in real life situations such as in criminal Psychology and medicine.
