Psychology

Psychology

Introduction

Psychology is the study of mind, behaviour and experience and this course offers a demanding but interesting opportunity to explore the scientific study of brain and behaviour.

Diverse teaching methods ensure that all learning styles are catered for. Our aim is for each student to develop both subject knowledge and confidence within the world of Psychology. Universities consider Psychology a science subject and it is one of the most popular undergraduate courses – leading to careers in Criminology, Education, HM Prison Service, or with further study, Clinical and/or Forensic Psychology. The Criminal Justice System encourages employees at all levels to have some understanding of Psychology.

Studying Psychology will enable you to develop critical thinking and debating skills and provide you with a springboard to a diverse range of employment opportunities. GCSE grade C or above in English, Science and Maths required. An enquiring and curious mind is essential.

The Staff Team

Mrs E Bate
Mrs E Bate , Head of Psychology,  has been teaching Psychology and also Science for over 20 years mainly around Oxfordshire. As well as previously being a Head of Psychology she has held a range of posts in previous schools including Head of Year and SENCo and also marks for the exam board.

Mrs Y Armistead has been a teacher for over 25 years and began her career ‘North of the Border’ in Edinburgh. Whilst teaching has taken her across the globe (working in Singapore for a short while), the majority of her experience has been gained at The Marlborough School in Woodstock. As well as joining the senior leadership team here at CNS, Mrs Armistead is a passionate teacher of Psychology. 

Contact details for the Psychology Department

The Curriculum

Key stage 5

A level Psychology is a two year linear course. There is no course work requirement.

Y12–  students will study:

  • Social influence
  • Memory
  • Attachment
  • Approaches in Psychology
  • Psychopathology
  • Research methods

Y13 – students will study:

  • Topics in Psychology three topics from Relationships, Gender,Cognition and Development, Schizophrenia, Eating Behaviour, Stress, Aggression, Forensic Psychology or Addiction
  • BioPsychology
  • Issues and debates
  • Research methods
  • Comparison of Approaches

A level

(AQA examination board)

 

Students at the end of Year 13 will sit three separate 2 hour exams, each exam is 96 marks and each paper represents a third of the A level qualification.

  • Paper one introductory topics in Psychology
  • Social influence
  • Memory
  • Attachment
  • Psychopathology
  • Paper two Psychology in context
  • Approaches in Psychology
  • BioPsychology
  • Research Methods
  • Paper three Issues and options in Psychology
  • Issues and debates in Psychology
  • One from Relationships; Gender; or Cognition and Development
  • One from Schizophrenia, Eating Behaviour or Stress
  • One from Aggression; Forensic Psychology; or Addiction.