“Give me a dozen healthy infants and my own specified world to bring them up in and I'll guarantee to take anyone at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select – doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar-man and thief”. J B Watson

A popular though demanding course, Psychology is the study of the brain and mind.  It explores the roots of human behaviour from several different perspectives, explaining a variety of different phenomena. Why do humans think differently? Why do we act differently? Why did the Holocaust happen? What causes mental illness? What is mental illness?

Following the AQA specification, the Psychology department is dedicated to delivering the course with an integrated approach.  Consequently, students acquire evaluative, reasoning, and independent study skills as well as learning psychological theories and concepts. Psychological studies are examined, evaluated and even conducted in lessons whenever possible.

Psychology courses are increasingly popular, not just because of their intrinsic appeal.  A good grade at Psychology A level indicates higher-order thinking and critical reasoning and can lead to careers in the health professions and any other employment sector that relies on people skills and communication. A high proportion of students go on to study Psychology at university.

Course Description

Students study the topics below:

• Social Influence
• Memory
• Attachment
• Psychopathology
• Approaches in Psychology
• Biopsychology
• Research methods
• Issues and debates in Psychology
• Schizophrenia
• Aggression
• Cognition and Development

Further information from AQA can be found at https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182