Subject Overview
A-level Psychology will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in certain ways. You will learn a variety of skills including analytical thinking, improved communication, problem solving and many more that will prepare you for a diverse range of future careers.
The course is split into 3 subject content areas; Introductory topics in Psychology, Psychology in context and Issues and options in Psychology. Research methods, practical research skills and mathematical skills will be developed and used throughout the course, including designing and conducting your own research projects.
This is a new and increasingly popular subject choice for students at Kent College. September 2020 sees the 3rd group of students commence the course.
We have just seen our first A level cohort complete the course with very successful outcomes. Class sizes often start off at between 15-18 in Year 12 and drop to around 8 - 10 in year 13.
| KS3 | GCSE | iGCSE | Pre A level / Pre IB | IB | A Level | Cambridge Technical | Pre U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ |
What skills will I learn?
- Mathematical Skills such as ratios, estimates, probability, statistical analysis and use of statistical tables, data interpretation, plotting data on graphs
- Communication skills - presenting information to others in a clear and concise manner
- Academic writing skills
- Analytical skills
- Critical thinking and evaluating evidence
- Independent research
Trips
London Zoo - Autumn term of yr13 - Phobias workshop, research methods, and data collection techniques
VISITING LECTURERS
In the 2018-2019 academic year, students were lucky enough to receive a talk from Clinical Psychologist Dr Bettina Hohen from the University of London; she spoke to students about the teenage brain, neurology and the pathways to becoming a clinical psychologist.
The next step..
Psychology is classed by UCAS as one of the ‘science’ A levels, so can help students gain access to degree courses with these requirements, such as nursing, mental health or social work.
‘psychology A-level is actively recommended by the Russell Group as helpful for many degree subjects’ Jarvis, M (2011). The Psychologist, Vol 24, pp674-675.
In addition to a traditional Psychology degree programme, other psychology related degree programmes are as follows:
- Clinical psychology.
- Counselling psychology.
- Educational psychology.
- Forensic psychology.
Careers where a psychology degree would be useful include:
Meet the Head of Psychology
Mrs Giselle Tomaszewska, MSc Psychology (Distinction), BSc Geography (Hons), QTS
In 2019, I achieved my Masters degree with Distinction following 3 years of part time study via distance learning alongside my day to day work as a Geography teacher here at Kent College. My desire to study Psychology stemmed from a personal interest in human behaviour and mental health issues largely triggered by over a decade of teaching and supporting young people through their secondary school lives.
My interests within the field of psychology are vast, however they mostly relate to issues of Social Psychology, and Cognition and Development.
Have a question?
If you would like to discuss details of your child's care with us, send us a message and we will gladly answer your questions.