Learning
Psychology

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Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Within the Psychology Department, our mission is to inspire and motivate students to explore human behaviour, thoughts and emotions.

We aim to develop happy, confident and enquiring learners who enjoy questioning, investigating and applying psychological knowledge to the world around them.

 

Overview of the Curriculum (KS5)

Psychology is offered at A Level, following the AQA A-Level Psychology specification. This is a two-year course, examined at the end of Year 13 through three external examinations.

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

Students explore core areas of psychology, including:

  • Social Influence – how others influence our behaviour

  • Memory – how information is encoded, stored and retrieved

  • Attachment – how and why infants form emotional bonds

  • Clinical Psychology and Mental Health – explanations and treatments for phobias, depression and OCD

Sections:

  • Social Influence (24 marks)

  • Memory (24 marks)

  • Attachment (24 marks)

  • Clinical Psychology and Mental Health (24 marks)

 

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

This paper focuses on how psychology is studied and applied:

  • Approaches in Psychology – learning, cognitive, biological, psychodynamic, humanistic

  • Biopsychology- nervous system, endocrine system, fight/flight, study of the brain

  • Research Methods, including data collection, descriptive statistics and ethics

Sections:

  • Approaches (24 marks)

  • Biopsychology (24 marks)

  • Research Methods (48 marks)

 

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

Students consider contemporary debates and specialist topics:

  • Issues and Debates in Psychology- gender/ culture bias, free will v determinism, nature/nurture debate, holism v reductionism, idiographic/ nomothetic approach, ethics

  • Gender-BSRI, chromosomes/hormones on gender development, cognitive explanations, SLT, atypical gender development

  • Schizophrenia- biological/psychological explanations, drug therapy, interactionist approach

  • Forensic Psychology- offender profiling, biological/psychodynamic explanations of offending behaviour, dealing with offending behaviour

Sections:

  • Issues and Debates (24 marks)

  • Gender (24 marks)

  • Schizophrenia (24 marks)

  • Forensic Psychology (24 marks)

 

 

Assessment and Feedback Approach

Assessment takes place through three written examinations, each lasting two hours. Students respond to a variety of question styles, including multiple-choice, short-answer and extended writing questions. Throughout the course, regular assessment, teacher feedback and exam-style practice help students to develop exam technique, subject knowledge and evaluative skills.

 

Staff List and Teacher Specialisms

Mrs Gousiou - Head of Department

Mr Swallow

 
Examples of Classroom Learning and Student Work

 

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Resources, Revision Guides & Homework Expectations

Students are provided with a range of resources, including:

Textbooks aligned to the AQA specification: 

  • A Level Psychology: The Complete Companions for AQA Psychology A Level: Year 1,Year 2

  • Cara Flanagan Rob Liddle Matt AQA Psychology for A Level : Year 1, Year 2 (3rd edition)

Online learning materials and revision resources

Online Platforms: Seneca for interactive quizzes and retrieval practice. 

https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa

Videos: PsychBoost videos (or similar) for clear, focused explanations on difficult topics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Num5viQ2VSk

Flashcards & Practice: Quizlet is great for mastering key terms and definitions.

https://quizlet.com/gb/content/AQA-A-Level-Psychology-Flashcards/ 

 

And more specific resources below:

https://www.simplypsychology.org/a-level-psychology.html

https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/psychology-revision/a-level-aqa/

https://www.savemyexams.com/a-level/psychology/aqa/17/revision-notes/

https://studymind.co.uk/revision-notes/a-level-psychology/

https://www.tutor2u.net/psychology/reference/study-notes?srsltid=AfmBOorZNDcK9qg9Q8ogb2rSkqiuaH3j4LXeQgRvigzfJ8UM97oheiX2

 

Structured homework tasks to consolidate learning and prepare for assessments

Independent study and regular revision are essential to success at A Level.

 

Extra-Curricular Clubs and Enrichment Opportunities

The department runs a Psychology Society, which meets once a month. This club allows students to research, present and discuss psychological topics beyond the curriculum, supporting wider reading and academic curiosity.

 

Career Pathways Linked to the Subject

Psychology supports progression into a wide range of careers, including:

  • Psychology and counselling

  • Law

  • Medicine

  • Healthcare and mental health professions

  • Education and teaching

  • Criminal justice and forensic services

  • Human resources, marketing and business

  • Social work and research

 

Department Achievements

Students develop highly transferable skills, including critical thinking, research, evaluation and independent learning, which are valued by universities and employers alike.

 

Contact Information

For further information about studying Psychology, please contact Mrs Gousiou: m.gousiou1@kdhigh.co.uk