We aim to:

• Provide enjoyable and stimulating material, which will also contribute to the students’ personal and social development.
• Develop, through essay writing and discussion, skills of analysis and evaluation which will provide a sound academic foundation for university.
• Develop, through the implementation of psychological investigations, skills in carrying out research and an awareness of the ethical issues in psychology.
• Attain the highest possible academic standards.

What staff and facilities are available to the department?

With three full-time members of staff, the Psychology department is situated in a comfortable newly furbished suite of classrooms.

We are well equipped with computers and reference books for exploration of the topics in Psychology. The Hallam library also stocks a large selection of Psychology books, which enables pupils to consolidate syllabus material as well as engage in wider reading.

How much time would I spend on this subject per ten day cycle?

• A Level: 10 lessons (10 hours) with at least 3 hours of individual study

Psychology is taught in the Sixth Form only and covers the following topics:

At AS Level topics covered are: Cognitive Psychology, Memory, Developmental Psychology, Attachment, Physiological Psychology, Stress, Individual Differences, Abnormality, Social Psychology, Social Influence, Research Methods.

At A2 Level topics covered are: Relationships, Pro- and Anti-Social Behaviour, Sleep and Dreaming, Social and Personality Development, Treatments and Therapies, Psychopathology and Perspectives.

Are there any trips?

Pupils attend A Level Psychology Update Conferences, where they have the opportunity to hear well known psychologists talk on a variety of fascinating topics. AQA examiners also address the pupils on subjects of relevance to the syllabus. In the process of collecting data for their coursework, pupils sometimes individually visit nursery schools or hospitals.

What about extra curricular activities?

The Psychology Magazine provides a forum for pupils to write and explore ideas of a psychological nature away from the constraints of the syllabus, applying the theory they learn about in the classroom to real-life situations.