Psychology
We offer Psychology as an A-level option. Psychology is a diverse subject, but is usually defined as the ‘science of mind and behaviour’. An integral part of Psychology is an understanding of how psychologists use research methods to study behaviour, and students are expected to answer questions in the examinations on how to carry out research. Topics covered at AS also include memory, attachments, stress, social influence and abnormality. At A2 there is a choice of options, for example sleeping and biological rhythms, the development of gender, eating behaviours, or schizophrenia and anomalistic psychology.
A critical approach to the subject and the research studies is essential and students are encouraged to develop this throughout the two years of study. They are encouraged to consider the wider context in which Psychology belongs, by developing an understanding of cultural, social and contemporary issues. Although this is an academic course, students enjoy the opportunity to offer opinions through class debate and discussion.
Meet Dr Rudling, Head of Psychology
Dr Rudling gave a talk on Psychology back in 1996 to some Upper 5 students and subsequently agreed to introduce A-level Psychology at The Maynard for a couple of years whilst finishing his PhD (using Neural Networks to model children’s understanding of a Theory of Mind).
In the past 30 years, he has built a thriving A-level Psychology programme, inspiring generations of students with his passion for the subject. His teaching combines academic rigour with humour, curiosity and a deep commitment to student understanding. He continues to explore how emerging technologies—from neural networks to generative AI—can illuminate the workings of the human mind and enrich the classroom experience.
Dr Rudling is also our Director of Studies and Educational Visits Coordinator, contributing to the school’s outdoor education programme. His current distraction is building a campervan called “The Colonel” with a plan that one day, rather than turning off the A38 to spend another day at the Maynard, he’ll just keep going.
Where next?
