Psychology

The Psychology Department offers both AS and A2 psychology courses.  For 2008/9, AS students follow the OCR syllabus. Lots of Core Studies are used as an introduction to Psychology.  Here are some of the topics:
Why do people gamble?
Are the brains of London Taxi Drivers different from most other people’s brains?
Does watching violent TV increase aggression in children?

The students continuing on the A2 course will be using the Edexcel syllabus.  This looks at how Psychology is applied in the real world. Clinical Psychology, includes consideration of diagnosis of mental illness.  One example is Rosenhan’s study on Being Sane in Insane Places.Criminal Psychology looks at how psychology has helped to reduce bias in the courtroom.Child psychology considers early attachment and what the consequences are if attachment is poor, as well as the benefits to children of play

AS & A2 psychology is fun and very interesting, but is also extremely hard work.  Do be in touch if you would like more information.   Mrs Harford:   harforg@rendcomb.gloucs.sch.uk.