How are the Social Sciences sacred subjects?
The Social Sciences serve students in becoming thoughtful, well-informed and ethical citizens. The Social Sciences enable all learners to experience the design and wonder of God’s world and to develop an awareness of their place in it. Social Sciences enable students to think deeply, analytically and scientifically about what makes us who we are and to question the reasoning and explanation for a multitude of human behaviours. Students become discerning activists with a reverence for transformational change, scrutinising the spiritual, moral and cultural issues that face modern society such as those linked to gender, ethnicity, sexuality and class.
Psychology is an increasingly popular A Level subject offering an opportunity to investigate the possible causes of particular human behaviours. This course considers different perspectives within Psychology, from the very objective, scientific elements to the more personal, subjective explanations. Key terminology, theories and methods are outlined and there is a practical element where students investigate psychological theories. Psychology does not always offer simple answers so students need to be able to think through their responses to different kinds of evidence. There is no coursework so students need to be prepared to be assessed via examination only.
This course is an excellent preparation for research at higher level. Scientific methods, language, standards of evidence and statistical skills are covered. The development and interpretation of descriptive and inferential statistics are addressed in isolation and within topics.
The course requires students to discuss and analyse debates and controversies. Topics include gender, social influence, memory, phobias, OCD, depression, forensic psychology and attachment.
Qualities & Skills Students Will Require
- An interest in how people behave and what influences it
• Good reading skills and a determination to understand and use specialist terminology
• A capacity to analyse and weigh up evidence for different theories
• Some skills in data handling
• A willingness to discuss issues and controversies about human mental processes and behaviour
Careers Psychology Can Lead To
Some students go on to degrees in Psychology and careers in mental health nursing, counselling, education, academia and social work. Other students find the material on offender profiling, offender treatment programmes, eye-witness testimony and abnormality gives good experience for police work and management. The large emphasis on the implementation and analysis of research methods is excellent preparation for study at higher levels.
Main Programme of Study
Key Stage 5
A Level Psychology
Exam Board – AQA
1st Year: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology, Research Methods, Approaches, Biopsychology
2nd Year: Issues and Debates: Gender, Schizophrenia, Forensic Psychology
A Level Psychology: Three 120 min exams
Exams include a mixture of essays, long and short mark questions and multiple-choice questions.
Qualifications Required
GCSE Average Grade Score of 40 or more.
Students need a minimum grade 5 in Maths, grade 5 in English Language and grade 5 in Biology.
Useful Links
Psychology at All Saints School Twitter Page – @PsychAllSaints
