The word psychology derives from Greek roots meaning study of the psyche, or soul.
Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour. It encompasses the biological influences, social pressures, and environmental factors that affect how people think, act, and feel.
Gaining a richer and deeper understanding of psychology can help people achieve insights into their own actions as well as a better understanding of other people.
About:
Psychology aims to develop students':
- interest in psychology and their appreciation for how this knowledge can be used to understand contemporary issues
- appreciation of the complex interactions, involving multiple parallel processes that continually influence human behaviour
- understanding that psychological knowledge has developed over time and is used in a variety of contexts, and is informed by social, cultural and ethical considerations
- ability to conduct a variety of field research and laboratory investigations involving collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data and interpretation of evidence
- ability to critically evaluate psychological concepts, interpretations, claims and conclusions with reference to evidence
- ability to communicate psychological understandings, findings, arguments and conclusions using appropriate representations, modes and genre.
At Aldridge:
At Aldridge SHS, Psychology is offered in Year's 10 through to 12. Year 10 is a course that introduces students to the important foundations that underpin Units 1 and 2 and is essentially a dry run for Year 11. If the student can show proficiency in these units they will be “fast tracked", that is they will be recorded as having finished Year 11 and can then go on to do Units 3 and 4. This means they will have a year to prepare for Year 12. The course, in Year 10 also introduces students to the types of assessment that they will face in Year 11 and 12, with the focus being on unpacking assessment tasks and the specific marking criteria involved with each piece. Psychology, along with all of the senior Sciences, also explicitly teaches the strategies related to responding to the cognitive verbs used in assessment tasks and the subsequent criteria on which the students will be graded.
Why study Psychology?
There are many reasons to study psychology, from career prospects to personal interest.
Psychology is a fascinating area of study. It will help you understand human behaviour and mental processes and allow you to better understand how we think act and feel. If you are considering studying psychology you probably already know what an interesting subject it is to study. Our psychology course looks at some of the important questions such as why do people act the way they do? What shapes our personality? How do we learn and change throughout our life? If you are interested in a deeper understanding of the human condition you should consider studying psychology.
Facilities, equipment and software:
Here at Aldridge we have a laboratory specifically set up to suit the needs of senior Psychology students.
Units of study:
- Unit 1 and 2 are 15 week units. Units 3 and 4 are 18 week units.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Year 10/11, Sem 1: Unit 1: Individual Development
Students explore the scientific method as the process for producing contemporary research in psychology. An understanding of the original philosophical debates to inform psychology — including free will versus determinism, and nature versus nurture — provides an essential lens for examining all perspectives within psychology. Students investigate the structure and function of the human brain and how this affects individual development and behaviour.
Year 10/11, Sem II: Unit 2: Individual Behaviour
In Unit 2, students explore the ways Psychology explains the development of individual behaviour. They will review the concepts underpinning psychological science. An understanding of theories of intelligence is essential to appreciate the role of nature and nurture in the development of self. Students examine diagnosis of psychological disorder, and investigate the effectiveness of various treatment interventions available to support individuals, families and the community
Year 12, Sem III: Unit 3: Individual Thinking
In Unit 3, students explore the ways psychology is used to describe and explain the role of the human nervous system in individual thinking, and the cognitive processes involved in perception, memory, and learning.
Year 12, Sem IV: Unit 4: The Influence of Others
In Unit 4, students explore the ways Psychology is used to describe and explain how others influence our development, behaviour and thinking. An understanding of the social processes involved in the development of relationships is essential to appreciating the responses and actions of others. Students investigate how stereotypes can directly affect behaviour. They examine how attitudes are formed and challenged, and analyse the complex cross-cultural nature of societies today.
Assessment
Formative assessment – Units 1 and 2: Student Experiment, Data Test, Research Task and Mock External Exam.
Summative assessment – Units 3 and 4: Student Experiment (20%), Data Test (10%), Research Task (20%) and External Exam (50%).
Pathways:
Psychology is a general subject suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond Year 12 that lead to tertiary studies, vocational education or work. A course of study in Psychology can establish a basis for further education and employment in the fields of health, law, business and education.
Teachers:
The current teachers of Psychology at Aldridge High are Miss Tammy White, Mrs Julieann French and Mrs Leonnie Hamill.