Psychology
Psychology as a subject provides a valuable background in understanding human nature, interactions and behaviour. It is useful to those wishing to enter a career in the humanities or business.
At the Marist Senior School we follow the AQA(A) specification. Learning approaches include practical investigations, discussion and debate, independent research and teacher exposition.
The subject 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.
It covers a wide range of Psychological topics at AS and A2, including aspects of:
- Physiological Psychology, based on brain structure, the body’s chemical systems and genetics
- Cognitive Psychology which focuses on thought processes, for example, those involved in memory
- Psychopathology, which is about the causes and treatment of mental disorders
- Developmental Psychology focusing on social, moral and cognitive development from birth to old age
- Social Psychology which involves relationships and interactions between individuals and groups
- Methods applied to Psychological research
Skills required to succeed at this subject include a good command of the English language, an analytical mind an awareness of moral standards applied to research and an interest in the sciences.