Psychology and Music Technology at Forest School
We are delighted to announce that for September 2024, Forest will be introducing two new A-levels to its roster of courses at 16+ – Psychology and Music Technology.
Psychology
Psychology is one of the most popular A-level courses in the country and has grown exponentially as young people become increasingly interested in the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.
Over the course of the last decade, Young Old Foresters have been accessing Psychology degrees at excellent universities, but we now feel that the time is right to offer this course as part of our academic offer.
Psychology A-level will enable students to explore aspects of social influence, cognition and memory, attachment theories, psychopathology, biopsychology and potentially explore diverse issues options such as gender and culture, relationship theory and mental conditions such as schizophrenia, eating behaviours, stress, addiction, and aggression. The academic study of Psychology is a rewarding one and builds key skills in the analysis and interpretation of data, the evaluation of therapies and treatments, and the demonstration of knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, methods, and ethical issues.
Music Technology
The Music Technology A-level explores the use of technology as a practical tool to develop creative modern musicianship. Through a focus on sequencing, audio-engineering and recording skills, students gain an advanced understanding of the techniques and scientific principles behind contemporary music production. Analytical skills are developed through the detailed study of a wide range of popular and contemporary genres. Students also investigate the history of Music Technology and its wider influences.
Music Technology students develop a unique skill-set, exploring their practical musicianship and creativity in a highly technical context. They will use Forest’s own facilities, including a high-spec recording studio and industry-standard equipment (Apple Mac OS X/Logic Pro X/Ableton Live). They will also be able to develop their interests through involvement in the Music Department’s busy programme of live events. This is a challenging but highly rewarding course which prepares students for life in the ever-changing world of the music industry.
The introduction of Psychology and Music Technology adds further diversity and enviable breadth to our A-level offer. We believe that this offer will equip all Sixth Formers to access some of the most competitive, prestigious, and rewarding university courses, degree apprenticeships and other pathways in the country.
The full list of A-level options is below. All Forest students pursue three A-level courses plus the Extended Project Qualification – a highly regarded qualification which provides Forest students with the nearest experience to undergraduate study. The EPQ enables them to undertake an academically rigorous independent research project which develops their research skills and their ability to analyse, evaluate and present arguments clearly and appropriately.
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Classical Civilisation
- Classical Greek
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Drama and Theatre Studies
- Economics
- English Literature
- Fine Art
- French
- Geography
- German
- History
- Latin
- Mandarin
- Mathematics
- Further Mathematics (students taking Further Mathematics study this alongside Mathematics and, therefore, sit four A-levels plus the EPQ)
- Music
- Music Technology
- Philosophy
- Photography
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Spanish
- Textile Design