Psychology is an exciting and popular subject which Rendcomb College offers at A Level. Sixth formers study human and animal behaviours using scientific methods to both analyse and explain the different  behaviours.  The department is led by teachers with professional and  industry experience in a clinical setting; so they are able provide pupils with ‘real life’ examples. 

Psychology pupils complete workshops and animal observations at Bristol Zoo and attend a Year 13 revision conference to hear lectures from Psychologists, who are leaders in their field of research.

Pupils look at different explanations of a wide range of behaviours through designing and carrying out practical investigations using observation and experiments. Pupils look at examples of psychological studies and learn to critically analyse their ideas and methods.

Human behaviour is complicated and pupils explore the way the brain functions, how cognitive processes work and how some behaviours are learned. Pupils consider contemporary issues such as how they might improve the reliability of eyewitness testimony, how our early attachments might influence our later relationships and whether mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, depression and phobias are the result of biological factors, psychological factors or a combination of both.