Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. At Loretto it is very much ‘housed’ within the Science Department and taught by teachers who also teach other science subjects. However, it is a popular subject partly because it combines well with both Science and Arts subjects.
Many people choose to study Psychology as it helps them better understand how we humans think, act and feel, and through this allows a positive impact to be made on individuals and society.
The career options in Psychology are also vast, from working in an educational setting to forensics to sports psychology, as well as the obvious career pathway of becoming a clinical psychologist and working for an organisation such as the NHS.
Psychology is formally introduced as an A-Level, although there has been a Psychology activity slot for Fourth and Fifth formers for a number of years where students can choose to study the AQA GCSE specification if they wish to. Current students should speak to their teacher or prospective students please contact the Loretto admissions department if you are interested in this option.
At Loretto we study the Eduqas specification as it ensures that learners gain a comprehensive appreciation of the nature of psychology and psychological enquiry. Through the specification learners will be introduced to historical and current psychological approaches as well as classic and contemporary research.
In addition, there are opportunities to explore psychological controversies and debates such as ‘sexism within psychology’ and ‘whether the mother should be the primary care-giver of an infant’. Students also study a variety of research methods used by psychologists and carry out their own personal investigations. Consideration of the ethical issues and social and economic implications are emphasised in all aspects of the specification.
The content is stimulating, relevant and accessible to a wide range of learners, ensuring both breadth and depth to the study of psychology.