Psychology
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What is Psychology?
The first psychology department in the UK was set up in the late 19th century at Cambridge University.
Psychology's aim is to answer some simple, but fundamental questions: why do you do the things you do, and why do you think the things you think?
To answer questions like these in Lower Sixth, 15 key studies will be covered to introduce the broad nature of psychology.
Studies include (in addition to 8 not mentioned here):
- Why do we sleep?
- What happens to a person who has the two hemispheres of the brain separated?
- Why do we obey authority?
- Who do some people become compulsive gamblers?
- What influences an eyewitness testimony?
- What is body dysmorphic disorder?
- What makes a person attractive: is it facial symmetry?
If you are interested by these questions, then psychology is for you!
In Upper Sixth, two options are taken from a choice of five (although not all options will be available):
- Psychology and Crime
- Psychology and Abnormality
- Psychology and Sport
- Psychology and Environment
- Psychology and Health
We follow the Pre-U Psychology specification, which can be downloaded in full from the CIE website.
A special feature of the specification is an 'explore more' section for those who have a special interest in a key study or specific topic area and who wish to be stretched and challenged.
Assessment is via linear examinations. This means that there are no modular examinations and all work is assessed at the end of the two-year course. As this is more challenging higher UCAS points will be achieved.
Psychology can be combined with a range of subjects: with Chemistry and Biology it's a great way into medicine; the skills it teaches will help you with Geography, History or English; with Politics, Economics and Business Studies; and it's the key to sales, marketing and advertising!
Examination results
Since the OCR specification was introduced in September 2006:
- At AS level in 2007 21 pupils out of 24 achieved a grade A, and the 3 others a grade B.
- At AS level in 2007 46% of pupils achieved a maximum mark on at least one exam paper, and 83% achieved at least 90% on one or more exam papers.
- At A2 in 2007 three students achieved maximum marks on two examination papers.
- At AS in 2008 results were just as good as those in 2007 and at A2 in 2008:
The national average for grade As for Psychology is 19% and grades A and B 42.2%
- Perse Psychology pupils achieved 100% grades A and B which is better than the national average by 57.8% and better than any local competitor.