The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous assessmentprogramme for students aged 16-19. This course is well respected by universitiesworldwide and provides high quality education to students. It encourages students to becurious, knowledgeable, open minded, empathetic while inculcating values andattitudes in them.
IBDP offers over 30 courses from six subject groups, from each of these subject groups;students have a choice to pick subjects that interest them.Generally, three subjects are taken at the Higher Level (HL) and others are taken at theStandard Level( SL). HL subjects are studied in greater depth than SL subjects.In addition, three core elements, the extended essay, theory of knowledge and Creativity, Activity, Service are compulsory are central to the programme’s philosophy.The core of IBDP Psychology introduces three different approaches to understandingbehaviour: biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches.
Psychology curriculum overview:
| Syllabus Component | Teaching Hours( SL) | Teaching Hours( HL) |
|---|---|---|
| Core -Biological approach to understanding behavior -Cognitive approach to understanding behavior -Sociocultural Approach to understanding behavior -Approaches to understanding behaviour | 90 | 120 |
| 20 | 60 | |
| Options -Abnormal Psychology -Developmental Psychology -Health Psychology -Psychology of Human Relationships | 20 | 40 |
| Internal Assessment Experimental Study | 20 | 20 |
| Total Teaching Hours | 150 | 240 |
Model of Assessment:
By the end of the Psychology course HL/SL, the students will be expected to have:
1. Knowledge and comprehension of key terms, concepts, psychological theories,
approaches etc.
2. Application and analysis of theories and research studies
3. Evaluation of psychological theories and research in applied psychology
4. Appropriate use of skills in Psychology
Assessment Summary:
| Assessment Type | Assessment Format | No. of hours(SL) | No. of hours(HL) | Final Grade weightage in SL(%) | Final Grade weightage in HL(%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| External | 3 | 5 | 75 | 80 | |
| Paper 1 | Three short answer questions(core). One essay from the various approaches. For HLadditional essay topic | 2 | 2 | 50 | 40 |
| Paper 2 | One question from three choices on two options (SL) Two questionsone each from three choices on two options | 1 | 2 | 25 | 20 |
| Paper 3 | Three short answer questions on approaches to research | 1 | 20 | ||
| Internal | 20 | 20 | 25 | 20 |
In Psychology, the interaction of these approaches form the basis of a holistic and integralapproah to understanding mentalprocesses and behaviour as a dynamic andcomplex phenomenon, it enables students to understand the diversities andcommonalities between the behaviour of others and their own.The interaction of the approaches focuses on areas of applied psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, health psychology and psychology ofrelationships.
Psychologists employ various research methods, both quantitative and qualitative totest their observations and hypothesis. IBDP Psychology encourages understanding ofthe various approaches and their importance on evidence, design, implementation, andanalysis. The aims of Psychology include developing an understanding of biological, cognitive andsocio cultural factors affecting mental process and behavior and applying them to areamof study, understanding the various methods of inquiry, understanding the importance of ethical practice in psychological research and ensure they are upheld. It also aims to develop awareness around how psychological research can be applied to address real world problems and promote positive change. The Psychology course (both HL and SL) aim to foster curiosity, creativity and love for the subject
