Department Aims
“The route through childhood is shaped by many forces, and it differs for each of us. Our biological inheritance, the temperament with which we are born, the care we receive, our family relationships, the place where we grow up, the schools we attend, the culture in which we participate, and the historical period in which we live—all these affect the paths we take through childhood and condition the remainder of our lives.” Robert H. Wozniak (1991)

The Psychology department at JESS aims to enhance students’ understanding of themselves and the people around them. The course is designed to promote an awareness of how people function in society and the variety of influences that lead to particular behaviours.

Psychology students at JESS are constantly given opportunities to develop their JESS learner profile. Most students choose to study Psychology because they are interested in other people and so are inquirers into the causes of behaviour. They are encouraged to think about ways of predicting and controlling behaviour while reflecting on factors that play a part in this behaviour. During lessons, students gain knowledge about the field of Psychology and are taught to be open-minded about their own perspectives and the perspectives of others by learning about the similarities and differences between behaviours in various cultures. An appreciation of different perspectives leads to students adopting a balanced outlook on life. Students are encouraged to be principled and caring in their interactions with each other in order to create a learning environment that is comfortable and safe. When this is established, students are able to communicate their ideas and strengthen their team work skills, taking risks as they go. Questioning and debate are promoted in order to assist students to further their knowledge and develop their own opinions about the world around them, so that they can be active learners.

Department Facilities
The department is staffed by a dedicated and motivated team with a passion for Psychology who strive to instill the same passion within students by delivering interesting and interactive lessons. The department has one teaching classroom with an LCD projector and an interactive whiteboard. Students also have access to the computer labs when required. The Learning Resource Centre houses a range of resources which students are welcome to make use of when writing essays, researching topics or furthering their interest in the subject. 

Extra Curricular Activities
The department aims to provide opportunities for students to develop their understanding and appreciation of Psychology. After school support sessions for Psychology GCSE and IB students are available throughout the academic year.
The Peer Counselling programme was introduced to provide Year 12 and 13 students with relevant training to enable them to develop their counselling skills and then mentor younger students. This programme is open to all Sixth Form students, regardless of whether or not they are studying Psychology.