Year 11

Psychology (ATAR & General)

LIST B COURSE
Psychology (ATAR)

Why Choose This Course?
Ever wondered why people behave the way they do? Psychology ATAR Year 11 dives into the science of thinking, emotion, memory, development, and social behaviour — equipping you with skills to understand yourself and others.

Unit 1: Biological and Cognitive Psychology
Learn about brain structure, how neurons work, how we perceive the world, and how memory and learning are shaped by cognition.
Unit 2: Developmental and Social Psychology
Understand how humans grow and change throughout life, and how social situations influence our behaviour. Explore the formation of identity, social roles, and group dynamics.

Skills and Capabilities Developed
Design ethical investigations, collect and analyse psychological data, critically evaluate studies, and communicate ideas using discipline-specific language.

Potential Careers
Counsellor, Youth Worker, Social Worker, Psychologist, Behavioural Scientist.

Post-School Study Options
Psychology, Social Work, Education, Human Resources, Criminology.

Pre-requisites
State Grade C in Year 10 Science


Psychology (General)

Why Choose This Course?
What shapes human behaviour? How do thoughts, emotions, and society influence who we are? Psychology General Year 11 introduces you to the science behind personality, learning, memory and relationships. Ideal for students interested in understanding people and building skills in communication, empathy and decision-making.

Unit 1: Personality and Learning

Discover the theories that explain personality, including humanistic, psychodynamic, trait and behaviourist models. Explore classical and operant conditioning, and how learning occurs through rewards, punishment and observation.

Unit 2: Memory and Motivation

Understand how memories are formed, stored, and recalled — and how motivation drives our behaviour. Learn about memory models, techniques for improving memory, and what motivates our actions in everyday life.

Skills and Capabilities Developed:
Design basic psychological investigations, apply ethical research guidelines, analyse behaviour through case studies, and develop strong communication and teamwork skills.

Potential Careers
Allied Health Assistant, Community Worker, HR Assistant, Aged Care Support, Mental Health Peer Worker.

Post-School Study Options
Certificate III/IV in Community Services, Health and Education Support, or transition to Diploma pathways in Psychology or Counselling.

Pre-requisites
Nil


Contact Information

Ms Kerry-Anne Randall
Head of Science
Kerry.Randall@cewa.edu.au