Psychology is the study of the human mind, how it functions, and how and why we behave the way we do. Through scientific research, Psychologists explore explanations for human behaviour. At Finham Park, Psychology is part of the wider Social Sciences Faculty, and elements of Psychology are embedded into the PSHE curriculum.
GCSE Psychology
GCSE Psychology is a popular choice which follows the updated Edexcel syllabus.
The Edexcel syllabus is split into 2 exams covering these 5 topics:
Paper 1:
Topic 1: Development – How did you develop?
Topic 2: Memory – How does your memory work?
Topic 3: Psychological problems – How would psychological problems affect you?
Topic 4: The brain and neuropsychology – How does your brain affect you?
Topic 5: Social influence – How do others affect you?
The sixth section will contain two extended open-response questions. These questions will focus on debates within psychology and the interrelationships between the core areas of Psychology.
Paper 2:
Topic 6: Criminal Psychology – Why do people become criminals?
Topic 9: Sleep and Dreaming – Why do you need to sleep and dream?
Topic 11: Research Methods – How do you carry out psychological research?
A Level Psychology
Psychology is one of the largest and most popular subjects in our Sixth Form. Students do not need to have studied Psychology before joining the A level. The new AQA syllabus increasingly focuses on all round skills of literacy, numeracy (data)and scientific application – a grade 6 in English language and a 6:6 in Science are needed.
The A level course looks at a variety of topics, studies, methods and investigations. There are no external exams until Yr13 but we do assess regularly through the course. The syllabus is split into three exams as follows:
Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology (2hr exam; 33.3% of total)
Topic 1- Social Influence
Topic 2- Memory
Topic 3- Attachment
Topic 4 – Psychopathology
Paper 2: Psychology in context (2hr exam; 33.3% of total)
Topic 5 – Approaches
Topic 6 – Biopsychology
Topic 7- Research Methods
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (2hr exam; 33.3% of total)
Topic 8 – Issues and Debates
Optional topics:
Topic 10- Gender
Topic 12 – Schizophrenia
Topic 16 – Forensic Psychology
What kind of student is A Level Psychology suitable for?
Psychology is a good subject to choose if you are interested in people, and if you are willing to examine your own thoughts, feelings and emotions. You will be developing logical skills of analysis and interpretation, and an appreciation of how Psychology can contribute to our multi-cultural society. You should be strongly motivated by the desire to both understand and explore why people behave as they do. In addition, the content is demanding and you will need to be happy with working hard in class and working on your own, as well as being self-motivated to set personal goals and meet deadlines.
What could I do with a KS5 qualification in this subject?
Ideal for students who would like to read Psychology at University. Psychology complements subjects such as Biology, Sociology, English Language, Business studies, Politics and Sport. It also adds scientific discipline to Art, Design, History, Foreign Languages, Literature and Music subjects, as well as contrasting well with Mathematics, Economics and Computing.
In terms of careers and professional opportunities – any area where you will work with others, whether it is in the caring professions, medicine, or in business, Psychology is used in training and will always be useful! There are also plenty of opportunities to work as a Psychologist in education, health, organisations, clinical work, the police force, sport and counselling etc
Department Staff
Curriculum Intent for Social Sciences