Psychology

Welcome to the Psychology department.  Psychology is offered at GCSE and 6^th Form. The Department follows the AQA syllabus for GCSE and the WJEC/Eduqas syllabus for A Level .

GCSE

The AQA GCSE specification in Psychology is an exciting, interesting and rewarding course that will provide students with a deeper understanding of people and society, in terms of human behaviour and mental processes.

It is comprised of two components, assessed by external examination at the end of the two-year KS4.

Year 10

In the first year, students cover the specification content requirements for Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour. This unit of study covers modules on:

• Memory
• Perception
• Development
• Research methods

Year 11

In the second year, students will begin paper 2 content (Paper 2: Social content and behaviour). The units of study for Paper 2 include:

• Social influence
• Language thought and communication
• Brain and Neuropsychology
• Psychological Problems.

This specification encourages learners to develop skills in:

• critical analysis
• independent thinking
• extended writing and
• understanding of the research process

A-Level

The Eduqas A level specification in Psychology is stimulating, distinctive and attractive, providing exciting opportunities for the learners to:

• Study a variety of historical and current psychological approaches
• Study classic and contemporary psychological research covering a variety of perspectives and topics
• Study principles of investigating human and animal behaviour
• Apply psychological information to everyday situations
• Explore contemporary issues raised in psychological research
• Work scientifically through their own psychological research
• Demonstrate greater emphasis on the skills of psychology.

This specification encourages learners to:

• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of psychology and how they relate to each other
• Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods in psychology
• Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
• Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for psychology, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
• Understand how society makes decisions about psychological issues and how psychology contributes to the success of the economy and society.

Course Outline:

Year 12

Component 1: Psychology: Past to Present

A range of compulsory questions on five psychological approaches, classic pieces of evidence and a contemporary debate.

Component 2: Psychology: Investigating Behaviour.

Principles of research (compulsory questions on how psychological investigations are carried out (including social and developmental psychology)

Novel scenarios (compulsory questions requiring a response to a piece of research previously unseen).

Year 13

Component 1: Psychology: Past to Present

Compulsory questions relating to five psychological approaches, classic pieces of research evidence and a contemporary debate.

Component 2: Psychology: Investigating Behaviour

Principles of research (compulsory questions on how psychological investigations are carried out (including social and developmental psychology)

Personal investigations (compulsory questions based on two investigative activities carried out prior to the assessment)

Application of research methods to a novel scenario (compulsory questions requiring a response to a piece of research).

Component 3: Psychology: Implications in the Real World

Applications: A choice of three structured questions from six on psychological behaviours.

Controversies: One question from a choice of two requiring a synoptic exploration of psychological controversies.

Teaching Team

Ms S Pereira (Subject Lead of Psychology) - spereira@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Mr D Chandler (Head of Year 9, Teacher of Psychology and RS) - dchandler@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Mrs Cousins (Head of Year 10, Teacher of Psychology and RS) - mcousins@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Further information

If you have any further queries, please contact Ms S Pereira spereira@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk