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Psychology is something we all do every moment of the day or night, whether we
are resting or working hard. We practise it in our relationships with others, on
the sports field and in every line of business. It is often a misunderstood
subject – students of psychology do not automatically become analysts or
counsellors, but they do gain a better understanding of themselves and of all
those around them. This better understanding might help us improve our memory,
cope better in stressful situations, understand why most of us follow fashions
and other trends, and be able to recognise unethical procedures. Since
psychology deals with human behaviour, and we are all unique, it is essential to
recognise that there are few correct answers and that few theories can be held
to be true for everyone. Therefore, students must be able to compare and
contrast these theories and be prepared to discuss their validity.
Psychology students should ideally have gained at least a grade C in English and
Mathematics at GCSE level.
Psychology at Rishworth
The course followed is the AQA (specification A) syllabus, which can be taken as
a one-year AS course or a two-year A Level course.
Psychology is a relatively new subject at Rishworth and is a popular option at
both AS and A2 Level, attracting a range of academic abilities.
Psychology at Rishworth will allow students to encounter a range of very
different viewpoints and give them the opportunity to develop analytical and
reasoning skills to weigh various interpretations from diverse cultural and
historical settings.
The AS Level course is divided into two modules giving students a broad knowledge and understanding of the principles of psychological study. The first module studied, which is examined in January, covers Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods. The specific areas of focus are Human Memory, the Development of Attachments and Research Methods. The second module, which is examined in June, covers Social and Biological Psychology and Individual Differences. The specific areas of focus are Abnormal Behaviour, Stress and Social Influence.
At A2 Level there are two modules, (one examined in January and one in June) covering the topics of Relationships, Mental Disorders, Statistical Analysis, Theoretical Debates and Approaches.
Outside the classroom
The Department has invested in a wide range of text books and general
(psychology) interest reading books. Students are encouraged to use as many of
these as possible to further their understanding of the topics. In addition,
there is a substantial range of video resources. Students are also encouraged to
make use of the journals that are subscribed to, and the Internet.
Students in the Psychology Department are invited to a weekly Psychology
Discussion Club where they are able to talk about issues raised within a lesson
or gain assistance with elements of their coursework or homework. Students are
encouraged to conduct independent research, and guides are provided for this
within the Department; students’ communication and ICT skills are enhanced
through the presentation of this material, through a process of collaborative
learning.
Psychology is a stimulating and exciting subject that will arouse a student's
interest in human nature, but it is also an academically challenging subject
that requires much further reading and a commitment to study outside the
classroom.
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