IB Diploma | Psychology

Psychology at Leighton Park

Course Requirements

Grade 6 in English and Maths

Course Overview

IB Psychology can be studied at Standard or Higher Level

Will this course suit me?

You will need an interest in studying human behaviour taking an academic and scientific approach. You will be encouraged to think critically about theories and evidence, develop arguments and reflect on findings. The course uses an eclectic approach to studying human behaviour, as we are influenced by multiple factors. Psychology is particularly well suited for understanding cultural differences and encompasses all goals of the IB learner profile.

Course description: 

Students taking Psychology will gain a broad understanding of the key theories and studies in Psychology applying them to the 4 contexts of;

• Health & Wellbeing: What causes depression? How do treatments work and are they any good? What is addiction and how can it be prevented or treated?
• Learning & Cognition: How do we learn? How does our memory work? What influences our decision making?
• Human Development: How does our brain and thinking develop? What factors affect that development? What influences our development of self and identity and what influence do others have on this?
• Human Relationships: What is group behaviour and how does our culture and other people affect this? What influences the development of our interpersonal relationships and what strategies work in improving them?

Students will also develop a strong understanding of the different research methods used in psychology with application of this to class practicals, the research proposal for the IA and assessments on this in Paper 2 and Paper 3 for HL candidates.

Assessment

Benefits of the course: Develops knowledge and understanding of theories and models of human behaviour and thinking. The course gives the ability to evaluate psychological concepts and theories and apply them to everyday situations, as well as the ability to understand, critically evaluate and conduct psychological research. Psychology combines well with subjects from the other IB groups, teaching a range of analytical and evaluative skills that can be applied across the curriculum. It also naturally lends itself to the goals of the IB learner profile.

Outside the classroom: In the Lower Sixth there is a trip to the Science Museum and Natural History Museum. In the Upper Sixth there may be opportunities to attend conferences and university talks.

Future opportunity: Many students chose to continue their studies in Psychology at university level or take associated courses. Research has shown that a degree in a social science leads to the highest levels of employability after graduation due to the wide range of skills that are developed in those courses. Studying Psychology will also be extremely useful for those considering careers in Medicine or Health Care, Sciences, Law, Business  and Media.

To find out more about this course please contact Head of Department: Claire Gulliver.

To apply for our Sixth Form please see our Admissions page.