Psychology

Psychology is a popular and successful option at Clifton College, with over 60% of students gaining an A grade at A level in the Summer 2007 examinations. At present there are 32 students in the Lower Sixth studying AS Psychology and 17 in the Upper Sixth studying A2 Psychology.

Staff

Head of Psychology:

Dr Helen Jolly DPhil

We follow the AQA-B specification for Psychology. In the first year, students study aspects of social and cognitive psychology as well as learning about the biological approach to the study of the mind and brain. In the second year, students study child development, atypical behaviour and focus on different themes that run throughout the study of Psychology, such as the nature-nurture debate. Both year groups also receive a grounding in research methods and statistics which prepares them for a coursework project of their choice.

Resources

The recently refurbished Psychology classroom is located within the Science School, reflecting the strong emphasis on teaching Psychology as an empirical science. The classroom is equipped with 6 computers and has a selection of books and materials that students are able to use for their coursework. Students are also encouraged to use both the Percival Library and the Stone Library as resource centres to help them through the course.

Teaching

Through practical tasks and experimental work we try to enable students to discover things for themselves. We teach students to design and plan their own coursework investigations, which include projects on sports psychology, selective attention and children’s cognition. ICT is used throughout the course to enhance both teaching and learning.