Psychology
Psychology is a highly academic discipline but one that is also part of our everyday life. A formal definition of Psychology is that it is the ‘scientific study of mental processes and behaviour’. Psychology aims to understand human behaviour and attempts to predict how people will react in a given situation.
Psychology is one of the most popular A levels at Lingfield College. Over the last few years, many students from Lingfield have gone on to read Psychology at top universities in the country, including Durham, Loughborough and Exeter. The department has two subject specialists and prides itself on providing a fun, engaging and thought-provoking educational experience with some amazing extracurricular opportunities, including conducting your own first-hand research project and trips to London and New York.
Courses offered:
A Level Psychology
The aim of the course is to enable students’ ability to effectively evaluate psychological theories and research. We also aim to improve students’ research skills and their ability to apply theory to everyday life. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate methodologies, data and theories, key skills for both university courses and in the wider world of work.
This course covers the following units:
Introductory Topics in Psychology
- Social Influence
- Memory
- Attachments
- Psychopathology
Psychology in Context
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research methods
Issues and options in Psychology
- Issues and debates in Psychology
- Cognitive development
- Schizophrenia
- Forensic Psychology
Entry Requirements
Ideally a student will have a level 6 or above in Biology GCSE or GCSE Science (although consideration may be given to lower grades) and at least a level 6 in Maths and a written subject. The most important requirement for Psychology A Level is a willingness to explore and analyse large quantities of information, and a genuine interest in the subject.
Enrichment
- Psychology support clinics - running two lunchtimes and two days after school every week, for ongoing support for students
- Psychology journal article club - running one lunchtime a week, reading up-to-date research articles and discussing their theories/findings
- Trip to New York - Sixth Form enrichment trip with visits to Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park and to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia for their Halloween Nights experience
- Trips to London - lectures and interactive workshop days
- Research projects - Year 1: creating your own research project and conducting research first-hand; Year 2: working with students in the prep school to conduct research for the Cognitive Development unit
- Mental Health Awareness week - runs every May and is led by the Psychology department, Psychology Captains and other students who are keen to get involved to create an engaging week of fun whole school activities
Victoria Baker
Head of Psychology