Psychology is the systematic study of behaviour and mental processes.

Psychology has its roots in both the natural and social sciences, leading to a variety of research designs and applications, and providing a unique approach to understanding people in modern society.  Psychology can be chosen as one of the subjects taken by pupils in Year 12 and 13 as part of the IB Diploma or Career-related Programme.

At this level, pupils will examine the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behaviour, thereby adopting an integrative approach. Understanding how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied enables pupils to achieve a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behaviour. The ethical concerns raised by the methodology and application of psychological research are key considerations in Psychology in the Sixth Form.

This course will take an integrative approach as we examine the three perspectives, biological, cognitive, and socio-cultural.  In an effort to examine the differing perspectives separately and in conjunction with one another, we will utilize the concept of memory.  Memory will serve as a common theme throughout each perspective as we will view this concept both separately and in a multifaceted approach by blending biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors. 

In addition to the three perspectives outlined in Sixth Form Psychology, for Standard Level and Higher Level we will study one option: Abnormal Psychology and for Higher Level, the second option will be Developmental Psychology.  In studying the concept of Abnormal Psychology, we will examine three groups of disorders: Anxiety disorders (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Affective disorders (Depression), and Eating disorders (Bulimia).  For Higher Level only, pupils will study a second option – Developmental Psychology deals with the process of change in the way young people behave, think and relate to others during childhood, youth and adolescence. We will study the cognitive and social development of the child and young person and also look at the development of gender identity.