Psychology
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Head of Department: Mrs L Guarnieri
Psychology is a popular subject choice at Herne Bay High and it involves an exploration of the human mind and our behaviour. This scientific subject investigates how people think, feel, and act both individually and in groups. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the analysis of mental processes and observable behaviours and clinical applications to behaviours such as criminal, addiction and schizophrenia. Studying Psychology offers several benefits including the development of critical thinking, problem solving and scientific research methods. There is an element of practical experience where students undertake personal investigations, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts.
We encourage students to have an open mind when studying Psychology and to motivate them to look at behaviour from a variety of viewpoints and approaches. In this way, lessons are often debate or discussion based. Additionally, lessons will lend themselves to several transferable skills such as collaboration, numeracy, time management and organisation which are all beneficial for higher education and future employment.
This subject is useful for a number of careers, including the following:
- Forensic psychology
- Educational psychology
- Clinical psychology
- Teaching / Lecturing
- Counselling / Psychotherapy
- Occupational psychology
- Management
- Human resources
Teaching Staff
- Mrs L Guarnieri - Head of Psychology
- Mrs Leone
- Miss Myers
Enrichment Activities and Trips
As part of their A-level studies students have the opportunity to take part in their very own research, as well as take part in workshops run by local university academics. This gives them a real sense of how Psychology is applied in the real world. Similarly, students have the opportunity to tour the University of Kent’s Psychology department. These experiences raise aspirations and give students an insight into the academic world.
In 2019 our Year 13 students had the opportunity to visit a conference in London and heard from one of the most famous psychologists of all time, Professor Elizabeth Loftus. She conducts ground-breaking research into memory, false memory syndrome and eye-witness testimony. They also heard from the famous criminologist, Professor David Wilson, who has featured on a recent BBC programme on profiling Jack the Ripper. Most notably, he starred in the Channel 4 film “Interview With a Murderer” in 2016. Finally, Professors Alex Haslam and Steve Reicher discussed their research in the field of social psychology and their replication of the Stanford Prison Study for the BBC.
What do our students study?
Psychology: Past to Present
- The biological approach
- The psychodynamic approach
- The behaviourist approach
- The cognitive approach
- The positive approach
Psychology: Investigating Behaviour
- Principles of research
- Personal investigations
- Application to novel scenarios
Psychology: Implications in the Real World
- Schizophrenia
- Addictive behaviours
- Criminal behaviours
- Controversies in Psychology
Click here for exam board information on WJEC Eduqas Psychology
| Subject Documents |
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| Year 12 Psychology Curriculum Map |
| Year 13 Psychology Curriculum Map |