Mission Statement
To contribute to the life of St. Augustine's community through integrating the teaching, learning and understanding of Psychology with Christian values and the teaching of the Catholic Church in spiritual, intellectual and social terms.
Aims of the Course
1. To develop students’ interest in, and enthusiasm for, the subject, including developing an interest in progression to higher education and vocations in Psychology.
2. To allow students to appreciate the scientific nature of Psychology and to engage in contemporary debates through an understanding of research.
3. To allow students to develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of Psychology.
4. To allow students to develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.
Overview of content
Students embarking on AS Psychology, study five major psychological perspectives (Social, Cognitive, Psychodynamic, Biological and Learning). Within each unit, students are required to conduct a short practical investigation and apply the concepts of each perspective to a contemporary issue. At A2, students are then able to develop a deeper understanding through applied topics including Criminology and Child Psychology. Finally, students develop a holistic understanding of Psychology, by considering conflicting and complementary explanations of clinical issues and major debates.
Assessment
Throughout the course, students develop and are externally examined on three assessment objectives:
AO1 Knowledge and understanding of science and of How Science Works
AO2 Application of knowledge and understanding of science and How science Works
AO3 How Science Works:
Describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.
Know how to make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy, through using primary and secondary sources.
Analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others’ experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways.