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Psychology
GBHS Students Study Psychology to…
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Gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
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Develop understanding of key topics such as attachment, social influence and psychopathology they are able to combining everyday life experiences with academic research and theory.
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Question the world and to think critically about the application of research and theory which is designed to improve the life of others.
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Research to understand themselves and the world they live in as 20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year; and half of mental health problems are established by the age of 14, with 75% by the age of 24.
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Develop academic skills enabling them to become lifelong learners, who can form cohesive arguments and evaluate the economic contributions of psychology.
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Understand the development of healthy (and unhealthy) relationships, as well as the importance of positive eating behaviours.
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Develop a knowledge and passion for the subject that stretches beyond the A Level specification.
Transferable Skills
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Empathy
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Emotional intelligence
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Research skills
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Written communication skills
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Critical thinking
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Data analysis
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Time management
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Work ethic
Key Stage 5
Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour. It seeks to examine the complexities of human behaviour and, through the use of practical research, develop theories and ‘laws’ for why we behave the way we do.
Psychology is a subject which uses different approaches to explain behaviour: biological (medical/genetic); cognitive (thought processes); behavioural (learning through experiences); psychodynamic (unconscious); and evolutionary (through evolution).
Students who have ever watched people, wanting to understand what motivates them or who have wondered why some people choose to commit crime or develop mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are likely to enjoy studying psychology!
At Great Baddow High School we follow the AQA A Level Psychology specification. This is a two-year course and is assessed through examinations.
There are three written examinations:
Paper 1 - Introductory topics in Psychology - social influence, attachment, memory & psychopathology (33.3%)
Paper 2 - Psychology in Context – Research methods, approaches, and bio-psychology (33.3%)
Paper 3 - Issues and Options in Psychology – issues and debates, relationships, eating behaviour & forensic psychology (33.3%)
Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Development
Psychology incorporates social development which involves students being encouraged to consider the values, attitudes and roles of people that occur in different societies and cultures. Students learn to respect and understand different human behaviours that occur in these cultures and societies.
Moral development in Psychology involves students discussing the values, attitudes and beliefs relating to a range of ethical and controversial issues. This includes areas of study on culture bias and ethical issues arising from research on humans and non-human animals.
In year 13, students investigate crime and punishment within the Forensic Psychology unit. Students develop spiritually whilst studying Psychology whilst being given the opportunity to consider and discuss questions relating to all aspects of their development such as their personality, gender, behaviour, thoughts and beliefs. Students are encouraged to apply their own beliefs to a range of ethical and psychological issues, debates and controversies, and to hear other students' opinions to develop a range of balanced viewpoints.
Cultural development in Psychology involves students studying human behaviour in different cultures. Students will develop their understanding of the effect culture has on our behaviour and how most research has been conducted through the eyes of Western researchers and may not be applicable to other cultures.
Beyond the Classroom
Outside of the curriculum we have an exciting schedule of trips and visits. In the past this has included trips to London to student Psychology Conferences, which have included A Level revision, Criminology, Pseudoscience and hypnosis. We also visit universities, the zoo and the local courts to extend learning outside of the classroom. Students have also been given the opportunity to take part in real life research.
