Psychology

Curriculum Intent

Psychology is an academic subject that enables our students to develop their knowledge of psychological issues, research studies, theories and models in a range of topic areas. It encourages students to become curious about a range of factors that influence our behaviours, e.g., the structure of the brain, parenting or past traumatic experiences. Students develop the higher-level skill of evaluation by looking at strengths, limitations and other discussion points such as compare and contrast throughout the course. Students use their knowledge and evaluation skills to apply Psychology to real world examples of behaviour and need to be prepared to consider topics in the exams that are not on the specification.

The course consists of optional units making up 25% in total and we have chosen schizophrenia, gender and forensics. Studying schizophrenia gives us an opportunity to dispel myths about this psychotic disorder, and promotes an open dialogue around mental health. Gender is currently high profile, so this topic has been chosen to help our students have a greater insight including the damage arising from stereotyping. The topic of forensics has been chosen as criminal behaviour impacts everyone either directly or indirectly. The causes of offending behaviour and ways of dealing with offending behaviour have many moral, social and political implications. A key aim of our course is to support students to develop skills that will help them in their future education, work life, family life and as a valuable member of society. We encourage the development of independence and resilience, offering opportunities for one-to-one support in addition to class time support. This is in the context of expecting students to take responsibility for their own progress and outcomes.

Staff Information

NamePosition / ResponsibilityE-Mail
Mrs E Forbes-TurnerSubject Leader for Psychologyeforbes-turner [at] imberhorne [dot] co [dot] uk
Mrs R WarburtonPsychology Teacherrwarburton [at] imberhorne [dot] co [dot] uk

FAQs

How much independent study is expected?

Sixth Form students studying Psychology will need to complete at least four hours of work outside of lessons to be able to succeed on the course.

Will a textbook be provided?

The students have access to an on-line text book for homework plus a class set for work in class

 

What is the meaning of a target grade in Psychology?

Target grades are initially set based on ALPS scores – these are based on what the students are likely to get based on a national average and their GCSE results.

Targets are meant to be aspirational, and can be moved up or down throughout the year depending on how the student is achieving. 

Is Psychology a science?

Psychology is a science and the vast majority of degree courses offered are BSc’s. At some universities (including Oxford and Cambridge) it is part of the Medical or Biological Sciences school.

What can you do with a Psychology A-Level?

If you wish to study Psychology at a higher level, you can go on to be a forensic psychologist, a clinical psychologist or educational psychologist to name a few. For more information on Psychology careers www.bps.org.uk/careers

Having a Psychology A-Level would be useful for any career path. We all need to work with people, so to be able to understand their behaviour can only ever be a useful skill to have.