Welcome to our Psychology / Sociology Department

Department Staff

Miss R Quaye Subject Leader: Psychology and Sociology
Miss C Cameron Teacher of Psychology & Sociology
Miss N Coppin Teacher of Psychology

Curriculum Intent

The vision of the Psychology and Sociology department is for students to be able to understand the world around them, human behaviour and interaction and the consequences of these.Ā  Through investigating conscious and unconscious phenomena, students will build an appreciation of the essential role of psychological researchĀ (in fields such as cognition, human biology, psychopathology etc)Ā in maintaining healthy individuals, a stable society and shaping vital institutions within the law, healthcare, education etc.

Ā 

Through their study of Social Sciences, students will understand historical changes which have influenced the structure and running of our modern world and appreciate the importance of keeping abreast of contemporary societal issues and their influence on behaviour, life choices and opportunities.

The study of Psychology and Sociology will develop students to become expert, analytical thinkers, able to evaluate ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions. Students will be equipped to become opinionated and confident individuals with a passion for spoken and written debates; skills which will support them in Higher Education, future employment and throughout their lives.

Key Stage 4 & 5 ā€“ GCSE / A Level Psychology

At Key Stage 4, students will study for theĀ AQA GCSE Psychology qualification.

The fundamental aims of the psychology programme at Key Stage 4 are for students to:

  • Develop fluent knowledge and understanding of psychological studies, theories and concepts
  • Developing critical analysis, independent thinking and research skillsTo be able to apply knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures
  • To be able to analyse and evaluate psychological information, ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions

Year 10

  • Social influence
  • Research Methods
  • Memory
  • Development

 

Year 11:

  • Perception
  • Language thought and communication
  • Brain and neuropsychology
  • Psychological problems

 

Key Stage 5

At Key stage 5 students will have the opportunity to takeĀ AQA A-level Psychology.

Students will explore how the human behaviour works all possible underpins that influences our decision making, cognition and behaviour. There is no written coursework and students are assessed solely on their examination performance. Students should therefore be able to read complex material from a wide range of sources, to learn scientific experiments and analyse them using statistics. There are three papers that will be used to test students on the A-level programme:

Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology

  • Social influence
  • Memory
  • Attachment
  • Psychopathology

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

  • Approaches
  • Research Methods

Year 13

  • Biopsychology

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

  • Issues and Debates in Psychology
  • Eating behaviour
  • Relationships
  • Forensic Psychology

Each paper is 2 hours long and accounts for 33.3% of the qualification.

Key Stage 5 ā€“ A Level Sociology

At Key Stage 5, students will study for theĀ AQA Sociology qualification.

Students will explore how the human behaviour influences our culture and society as well as how our society and culture influence us. There is no written coursework; Students are assessed solely on their examination performance. Students should therefore be able to read complex material from a wide range of sources. The A Level is based highly on essay skills. There are three papers that will be used to test students on the A level programme: Paper 1 Education with Theory and Methods, Paper 2 Topics in Sociology, Paper 3 Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods.

Year 12

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology

  • Families and Households

Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods

  • Education
  • Methods in Context

Year 13

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology

  • Beliefs in society

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

  • Crime and Deviance
  • Theory and Methods

 

Each paper is 2 hours long and accounts for 33.3% of the qualification.