Head of Department

Miss L Wilkinson, BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQSL

Statement of Intent

At Devonport High School for Girls, we take a scientific approach to the study of Psychology, with the overall aim of using our psychological knowledge and understanding to have a positive impact on the world around us.  Upon completion of the A Level Psychology course, students will: 

• understand and be able to explain the influence of the many and varying factors that affect human behaviour as well as being mindful of the complex interaction between these factors; 
• be able to apply psychological knowledge and understanding to explain real-life situations as well as offering practical strategies and advice based on this knowledge and understanding;
• be able to analyse both quantitative and qualitative data to draw logical conclusions;
• be able to critically appraise even the most academic and scientific research; 
• have developed abstract thinking skills, e.g., the notion of type 1 and 2 errors in statistical testing and the concept of the unconscious mind; 
• be able to express themselves clearly and concisely using appropriate subject specific terminology; 
• appreciate the value of psychology in a wide variety of workplace settings and in our personal lives. 

We achieve this by building on: 

• prior learning from GCSE Science and Mathematics, e.g., synaptic transmission, hypotheses, descriptive statistics and graphs;
• students’ own experiences, e.g., conforming to fashions, different types of memories and obedience to teachers/parents; 
• historical events e.g., the holocaust, the London Bombings and the murders of Jeffrey Dahmer;
• more recent societal changes e.g., the increase in mental health issues, the smoking ban and charging for carrier bags;
• practical experiences, e.g., designing and carrying out research, acting out procedures and testing ideas on themselves. 

A Level Course Outline

Studying psychology at A level enables students to think scientifically about why people behave and think in the ways they do. It focuses on knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and research studies from a wide range of topics; from why babies love their parents to what causes serious mental illness.

Higher Education and Career Opportunities

Success in psychology A Level shows that you can master complex subject content and use advanced critical analysis. Course content is relevant to a range of careers: Law, Crime and Policing, Teaching, Medicine and Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, Counselling, Management and Marketing. Each year a number of students go on to study for psychology degrees at university.

Course Content