Links to SQA Website:

Psych

Care

Criminology

During S3, learners are introduced to key topics within the N5 course such as Sleep and Dreams and Conformity. Pupils will learn all about the importance of sleep and how we are influenced by a group. Studying this course allows learners to develop a better understanding of themselves and others. The course is unique as everything we study relates directly to the lives of the pupils, allowing us to develop our sense of self.

Throughout S3 and S4, the National 5 Psychology course develops young people’s knowledge and understanding of psychological explanations for individual and social behaviour. At N5 the individual behaviour topics include Sleep and Dream and Phobias. The social behaviour topics include Conformity and Non-Verbal Communication. Studying Psychology enables learners to find out some of the ways that thoughts and the environment can affect how we feel and behave.

A big part of the course is exploring research that exists on particular topics. As candidates develop research skills in psychology, they learn about the ethical implications of research. Explanations for behaviour promote thinking, reasoning and communication skills. Candidates also develop numeracy skills, which are important to research. Pupils will carry out coursework that involves them writing up their very own research plan for an investigation into a topic they have studied.

Higher Psychology builds upon the learning gained through the N5 course in many ways. Topics at Higher level include Conformity and Obedience, Sleep and Dreams and Depression. The topics allow pupils to develop a deep understanding of their own and other’s behaviour which in turn builds understanding, tolerance and resilience. The links to life and work are evident in this course.

For their coursework assignment, learners get the opportunity to be real research psychologists, planning and carrying out their own investigation, following ethical guidelines throughout then writing this up in the form of a psychological report.

Although having had prior knowledge of the N5 course is helpful, it is not necessary. Many pupils have ‘crashed’ this course and been very successful.

This National Progression Award (NPA) introduces learners to criminology for example studying the history of crime, the role of the media and crime prevention. It develops knowledge and understanding of the way crime and criminal justice operates. Criminology involves investigating the complex nature of crime, the problems of measuring crime, crime in the community and how to analyse crime scenes. Students will learn the importance of evidence-based research, including investigation and research skills. This course will suit candidates who have an interest in Psychology, Sociology, Modern Studies, Law, English or Science.

This course is for those who have an interest in caring for others and how to best support any person that requires care services throughout their life. Care services include; child care services, adult care services and care within a medical setting. This will be suited to anyone who has an interest in human behaviour and development and how things like life experiences and society influence the care people receive.

Units taught:

Over S3 (and S4) you will learn about the following:

• Values and principles - exploring human needs and how to assess what people need in a care setting, understanding the features of a positive care environment and looking at how important values are in promoting positive care practice.
  
  
• Human development and behaviour – exploring behaviour of people that use care services, developing an understanding of how life experiences can affect people, and exploring how we can use psychological theories to understand the behaviour of individuals using care services.
  
  
• Social influences – how things in a person’s life can influence and affect the care they receive along with their life chances.

The department also delivers one unit 'Understanding Mental Health Issues' from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award at level 5 as part of our Developing the Young Workforce initiative.