Putney High School
Psychology
"If the human brain were so simple that we could understand it, we would be so simple that we couldn't." - Emerson M. Pugh
Psychology is a popular A level subject at Putney High School. Girls who study it find it fascinating and enjoyable, and frequently go on to study it at university. Lessons involve informal discussion and the sharing of ideas, but there is also a great deal of psychological content to be covered, with lots of specialist vocabulary, so the course is rigorous and detailed.
Psychology is a new subject for all those taking it and so care is taken at the start of the course to ensure students of all abilities get a firm understanding of it. This subject attracts high-flyers (who might wish to consider applying to do Experimental Psychology at Oxford University) as well as girls of more modest ability who frequently find their ‘niche’ within a new subject and do very well indeed.
As the eminent psychologist B F Skinner said "Education is not just the filling of a pail, it is the lighting of a fire." The psychology department aims to inspire its students to have a love of the subject.
Psychology bridges the gap between arts and sciences and girls take it alongside the sciences, the humanities or the arts. There are no formal requirements for taking psychology A level but good grades in English and Science are a good basis for success.
The A level course followed is AQA specification A.
AS
This is a broad and interesting introduction to the various areas within psychology. It forms a sound basis from which to study the A2 course, or alternatively, is a self-contained unit which will give those who only study to AS level a comprehensive introduction.
Topics studied include:
- Cognitive psychology – the study of memory
- Developmental psychology – the study of infant attachments
- Individual differences – the study of abnormal behaviour
- Physiological psychology – the study of stress
- Social Psychology – the study of conformity and obedience
- Research Methodology – the study of research techniques
A Level
This builds on the AS and studies fewer topics but in more depth. Choice of topic is decided by the teacher but typically includes social psychology, developmental psychology and biological psychology. Psychopathology is studied in some detail as are debates within psychology which are quite philosophical in nature.
Coursework
There is no coursework at AS level but at A level students devise and carry out a piece of research. They typically derive a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction from doing this, whilst learning alot too.
Careers
Psychology bridges the gap between arts and sciences. It is an integral part of much professional training and so forms a good basis for any career, whether or not you decide to study it for a degree. Typical careers areas include educational, clinical, occupational, forensic psychology and research. Many psychology graduates also go into business, marketing, advertising and personnel work. Psychology graduates from good universities have excellent employment prospects because they have acquired the essential skills of written and verbal communication, research techniques and the ability to handle data via statistical techniques, all of which are started at A level.
