Psychology

This is a two year A level course which is divided into 3 papers:

Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology – This paper will explore answers to the following questions:

• Why do we conform to others despite privately disagreeing with them?
• Why does anonymity lead to conformity?
• Why do we forget?
• What are the effects of childhood deprivation?
• Does early attachment influence later adult relationships?
• What are the characteristics of obsessive compulsive disorders?
• Can therapy help people with phobias?

Paper 2: Psychology in context – This paper will explore answers to the following questions:

• Can non-scientific research methods generate data that explains human behaviour?
• What types of questions would you include in a questionnaire?
• Do role models influence our behaviour?
• Can our unconscious mind influence our behaviour?
• Can animal behaviour explain human behaviour?
• Which areas of the brain are responsible for speech, language and spatial tasks?

Paper 3: Issues and options in Psychology – This paper will explore answers to the following questions:

• What explains the acquisition of human behaviours like depression – is it nature or nurture?
• Do we have free will ?
• What is the role of hormones and chromosomes in sex and gender acquisition?
• What influences our gender identity?
• What is schizophrenia?
• Can schizophrenia be treated with drugs?
• How can we profile a criminal?
• Why do people commit crimes?

No Coursework
Examination (100%) – There will be three two-hour papers at the end of the course (each worth 33.3% of the A level), for which we will prepare you thoroughly. Paper 1 will examine 4 topics which are Social Influence, Memory, Attachment & Psychopathology. Paper 2 will examine 3 topics which are Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology & Research Methods. The third paper will examine 4 topics which are Issues and Debates, Gender, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology. Each paper will consist of multiple choice, short answer, extended writing and research methods questions.
Exam Board – AQA

Psychology is a science subject which requires scientific thinking and writing throughout, and therefore a minimum grade 4 in Biology or 4-4 in Combined Science is required. The Standard A level entry requirements also apply. There is also a need to be genuinely numerate, as we will be analysing and interpreting data and making simple statistical calculations. Overall, at least 10% of the marks in assessments for Psychology will require the use of mathematical skills. Science and mathematics accounts for 25% of the final examinations.

None. Psychology goes well with all subjects.

A high proportion of our Psychologists go on to study Psychology or a closely related course at university. Psychology can help your career either directly or indirectly. If you wish to become a psychologist, therapist or mental health worker, this A-Level is of direct value. Psychology can also be used alongside other science subjects to gain entry to medicine and other related professions. Many Psychology graduates tend to build careers in education, the police, social work and further research.

There may be some travel costs for those learners who go on the visits to the universities with the Psychology Academy.

The College runs a Psychology Academy, which is an exciting Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) for learners interested in all aspects of psychology. The Psychology Research School involves learners conducting real psychological research with well-regarded universities e.g. University of Birmingham and Aston University.