Psychology is one of the most popular subjects enjoyed by Sixth Former’s at Hall Cross. The topics are designed to be challenging, stimulating and rewarding. Psychology has made a major contribution to our understanding of human and animal behaviour. It is defined as the “scientific study of mental processes and behaviour” and involves looking at the different schools of thought within Psychology as well as investigating the real life application of Psychological theory.

The exam board is AQA and it is 100% examination, assessed over three 2 hour papers at the end of year 13.

Please refer to our Sixth Form prospectus for entry requirements.

Students will cover a number of topics over the course as well as key psychological approaches and methods of investigation.  Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology - Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology. Paper 2: Psychology in Context - Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods (worth 50% of the exam). Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology - Issues and Debates, Gender, Schizophrenia, Aggression.

Students who study Psychology have found work placements in schools for Autistic Children, primary schools and care homes. Carrying out practical investigations is an important aspect and students should be interested in finding out about developments within the subject.

As a career choice Psychology offers you the opportunity to work in a number of fields such as educational, health, occupational, sport and/or child psychology. Other caring avenues include: nursing, teaching, social work as well as psychiatry. To become a Psychiatrist, you need to study medicine initially and to study forensics you will need to study A level Chemistry.