Psychology

Summary

Psychology at St John's is an Advanced Level subject only, leading to an AS qualification in the Lower Sixth and an A2 in the Upper Sixth.

At A2, the specification offers a range of topic-based options which bring together explanations from different psychological approaches and engage students in issues and debates in psychology. The A2 specification has two units:

Topics in Psychology covers:

  • Biological rhythms and sleep
  • Perception
  • Relationships
  • Aggression
  • Eating behaviour
  • Gender
  • Intelligence and learning
  • Cognition and development

Psychopathology, Psychology in action and research methods covers:

  • Schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders
  • Media psychology, the psychology of addictive behaviour and anomalistic psychology
  • Psychological research and scientific method

Looking Beyond the Classroom

We aim to bring this subject to life and inspire interest and enthusiasm from our students through a number of trips and speakers. By exposing them to experienced and insightful academics and practitioners students are able to gain a much richer contextual understanding of their subjects and that this will translate into strong examination results. The course is enhanced by trips to the Bank of England, and the London Metal Exchange. Pupils also take part in a Business Breakfast; ‘Have I got News for St John’s’ – a business and economics forum; and a School Speaker Circuit, where successful entrepreneurs and business experts speak to students about their experiences.