Psychology
Head of Subject: Helen Ryder
Welcome to Psychology at Ivybridge Community College.
Students will explore the scientific study of human behaviour, thought and experience.
At Key Stage 4, students study GCSE Psychology, covering areas such as memory, social influence, development, criminal psychology, psychological problems, sleep and dreaming, and research methods. Assessment is through two external examinations at the end of Year 11.
At Key Stage 5, students can progress to A Level Psychology, developing their understanding of topics including attachment, biopsychology, psychopathology and key psychological approaches, alongside research methods and psychological debates. Assessment is through final examinations at the end of Year 13.
Psychology encourages curiosity, critical thinking and a scientific approach to understanding behaviour, supporting progression to a wide range of university courses and careers in areas such as psychology, education, healthcare, law enforcement and social services.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Psychology explores human behaviour, helping students understand how and why people think, feel and act the way they do. The course develops knowledge of psychological ideas alongside important skills such as critical thinking, research and evaluation.
Students study key topics including criminal psychology, developmental psychology, psychological problems, memory, social influence, sleep and dreaming, and research methods. They also explore how psychology is researched using scientific methods, as well as ethical, social and cultural issues.
Assessment
There is no coursework. Students complete two external examinations at the end of Year 11:
- Each exam is 1 hour 30 minutes
- Each is worth 50% of the final grade
- A mix of short-answer and extended-response questions
Possible Career Paths
Psychology supports progression into a wide range of careers, including criminology, teaching, counselling, policing, social work, journalism, business, sports therapy and educational psychology.
Exam Board: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/psychology-j203-from-2017/
Key Stage 5
A Level Psychology is a popular subject that explores human behaviour, giving students a scientific understanding of how and why people think and act as they do. It develops critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate psychological research and evidence.
Who is the course suitable for?
This course is suitable for students with an interest in human behaviour who enjoy scientific approaches, wider reading and critical thinking. No GCSE Psychology is required, but a genuine interest in people and behaviour is essential.
What will you study?
Students complete eight core topics:
- Social Influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research Methods
- Issues and Debates
Key questions explored include why people behave differently in groups, how memory works, how behaviour develops, and how “abnormal” behaviour is defined.
Assessment
The course is assessed entirely by exams at the end of Year 13:
- Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (2 hours)
- Paper 2: Psychology in Context (2 hours)
- Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (2 hours)
All papers are equally weighted and there is no coursework.
Entry Requirements
Students must have:
- Five GCSEs at grades 9–5
- Grade 6 in English
- Grade 5 in Mathematics
- Grade 6 in a Science subject (ideally Biology)
Possible Career Paths
Psychology supports progression into a wide range of fields, including education, health, business, government, the armed forces, law enforcement and prison services.
It also links to higher education courses such as sociology, law, teaching, sports studies, nursing, medicine and youth and community studies.
Exam Board: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/a-level/psychology-7182/specification/specification-at-a-glance
For more information, please contact the College here: