Psychology

75% of the population has the brain capacity to read this: “the hmuan mnid has a fntatsaic altibiy to pcroses dififuclt and caelhlginng prbolmes. It can unsertdnad lagnague, cnoidser the prpsectveie of oterhs and qikculy laern new tihgns.” Less than 1% can explain why. Join the 1% - learn psychology.

GCSE Entrance Requirements:

  • Mathematics - Grade 5

  • English Language - Grade 5

  • Biology - Grade 5

More info:

Combines Well With

Head of Department:

Mr J Hegarty - jheagarty@hswv.co.uk

W

HAT YOU STUDY

In year one of the course, you will study

How humans use social pressure to influence each other’s behaviour. The models and weakness of our memory. How human infants attach to their parents and  the  foundations of love. The causes of and treatments for depression. Approaches to understanding within Psychology and the process of researching human behaviour.

In year two of the course, you will study

Biopsychology, which is how the nervous  system affects our behaviour. The psychological explanations for variations in and causal factors or Human Relationships, disordered eating behaviours and interpersonal aggression. Issues and debates in Psychology: a critical appraisal of some of the weakness within modern Psychology.

HOW YOU STUDY

The examination uses a combination of short answer questions and extended essay style responses. We tailor our sessions to develop the literacy skills to meet all of the assessment objectives, whilst developing the skills of analysis and the techniques of a sustained explicit evaluation. We have written our own bespoke texts for the specifications and are pioneering a structured approach to literacy support and developmental feedback and reflection.

DEPARTMENT STRENGTHS AND RESOURCES

We have a strong team of social scientists, who are all subject specialists in the areas they teach. Our assessment practise and the understanding that our teachers have about the processes of external examination enables our students to focus upon the core skills for success. We have written the majority of the resources we use ourselves and they are tailored specifically for the courses we provide. 

PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY/CAREERS

Psychological understanding is becoming much more prominent as we move into the 21st Century. Education, caring professions and the business world are all beginning to tap into the understanding of Psychology. Universities respect the scientific approach of the research undertaken in our discipline, and there is a growing respect for the difficulty nature of Psychology.

OUR SUCCESSES

Over the last two years the Social Science department have had some excellent examination results. In Psychology 71% of students have achieved A*-B and 90% achieved at least a grade C or equivalent.

The Psychology team take pride in their support of students’ ability to reflect and understand the requirements of the public examinations. Our students will tell you of a highly positive learning environment where we balance detailed knowledge, precise assessment and a good humoured learning space.