Psychology

Psychology is a relatively new discipline focusing on the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. 

Psychologists observe and conduct experiments to investigate how people think, feel, act and interact. We study how these findings are then applied in fields including mental health, forensics, education, business, research and sport. Advances in neuroimaging techniques, for example, are enabling neuropsychologists to answer questions about the nature of consciousness, perception and emotions. 

Understanding these questions and the emerging answers to them allows us to go some way towards appreciating the complexities of the human mind, which is often thought of as the ultimate unexplored frontier. 

Studying psychology gives pupils the opportunity to develop skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation and teaches them how to apply those skills effectively. As such, it is a subject which is well received by both universities and employers. 

In lessons we offer an exciting mixture of debate and discussion, lectures, group work and practical work. Throughout the year, the department runs a Psychology Lecture Series open to all year groups, inviting speakers from different disciplines in Psychology including Forensic, Clinical and Occupational. In the Spring term, there is an annual Psychology Essay Competition, where previous topics have included dreaming, nature vs. nurture and video game violence. In the Summer Term we host the Bristol Education Partnership (BEP) Psychology Research Competition where A Level students from schools across Bristol compete with poster presentations of their independent research projects, judged by visitors from the University of Bath. 

GCSE 

Pupils complete the curriculum for the AQA GCSE in Years 10-11, receiving a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of psychology, developing critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills. Pupils will learn about the latest advances in the subject, through independent work, group work and whole class experiments. 

Topics include Memory, Perception, Development, Social Influence, Language, Neuropsychology and Psychological Problems. Pupils in Year 10 take part in an interactive Experience Psychology workshop at We the Curious, learning about visual illusions and the placebo effect. 

A Level 

Our A Level Psychology course suits those with a curious and critical mind. 

At A Level, we follow the AQA Psychology syllabus, a linear course designed in consultation with the British Psychological Society. A Level Psychology can provide an engaging and holistic introduction to psychology which will appeal to a cross-section of students, regardless of whether they have studied psychology before. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. 

Lower Sixth students enter the annual Bristol Education Partnership (BEP) Research Competition, in which they conduct a piece of psychological research and present their findings in the form of a poster presentation. Previous topics have included conformity, prosocial behaviour and memory. This competition is open to numerous schools across Bristol and is judged by final year undergraduates from the University of Bath. 

Psychology A Level enables progression into not only a Psychology degree but a wide range of other subjects too. As a Science, A Level Psychology can often be the ‘science A Level’ grade stipulated on course entry requirements. Students may go on to study Law, Medicine, Neuroscience, Biology, Veterinary Science, Social Work, Zoology, Criminology or Business.