Psychology

Psychology is the systematic study of behaviour and mental processes. It has its roots in both the natural and social sciences, leading to a variety of research designs and applications, providing a unique approach to understanding the human mind and behaviour. Our students will examine how the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences affects human behaviour, thereby adopting an integrative approach. Understanding how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied enables our students to achieve a greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity of human behaviour. The ethical concerns raised by the methodology and application of psychological research are key considerations in psychology.

Psychology takes a holistic approach that fosters intercultural understanding and respect. Cultural diversity is explored and our students are encouraged to develop empathy for the feelings, needs and lives of others within and outside their own culture. This empathy contributes to an international understanding.

Grade 11

• Core: Foundational

• Core: Cognitive approach to understanding behaviour

• Core: Socio-cultural approach to understanding behaviour

Grade 12

• Core: Biological approach to understanding behaviour

• Option: Psychology of Human relationships

• through diverse methods of psychological inquiry, students will understand how biological, cognitive, social and cultural factors influence human behaviour

• they will interpret psychological research and apply the resulting knowledge for the benefit of human beings in the applications of psychology in everyday life

• asking questions, challenging assumptions and critically assessing the methods used by researchers are integral skills in the study of Psychology

• underpinning all the approaches to teaching and learning in this course is a focus on the development of critical thinking.

• the internal assessment requires the development of social, communication and self-management skills through collaboration and teamwork

• students will also demonstrate the acquisition of skills required for experimental design, data collection and presentation, data analysis and the evaluation of a simple experiment while demonstrating ethical practice

SL external assessment – 75%

• paper 1 (2 hours) – 50%

  • • section A: three compulsory questions on part 1 of the syllabus

    • section B: three questions on part 1 of the syllabus; students choose one question to answer in essay form (49 marks)

• paper 2 (1 hour) – 25%

  • • fifteen questions on part 2 of the syllabus; students choose one question to answer in essay form (22 marks)

SL internal assessment – 25%

• a report of a simple experimental study conducted by the student (22 marks)

HL external assessment – 80%

• paper 1 (2 hours) – 40%

  • • section A: three compulsory questions on part 1 of the syllabus

    • section B: three questions on part 1 of the syllabus; students choose one question to answer in essay form (49 marks)

• paper 2 (2 hour) – 20%

  • • fifteen questions on part 2 of the syllabus; students choose two questions to answer in essay form (44 marks)

• paper 3 (1 hour) – 20%

  • • three compulsory questions based on an unseen text, covering part 3 of the syllabus (24 marks)

HL internal assessment – 20%

• a report of a simple experimental study conducted by the student (22 marks)