A-LEVEL Psychology

A-LEVEL

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Studying Psychology at A-Level involves learning about theories of the human mind and behaviour, then evaluating these using research evidence. It also includes
understanding research methods and approaches in Psychology. 


Subject requirements:
Minimum GCSE of 5 in Maths, English and Science (Preference: Biology)

Teacher to contact - Miss K Sogi 
Social Sciences Area Coordinator - Miss C Miller
Social Sciences Curriculum Assistant - Mrs D Last 

Course Content

Year 12
Component 1:
Memory –
how memory works, why forgetting occurs and issues with memory
Attachment – why children form attachments and what happens when they don't
Approaches in Psychology – how different approaches assume human behaviour can be explained using specific
key concepts
Biopsychology – an introduction to biological factors that affect behaviour
Social Influence – why some people conform and obey and why some people don’t; how social change takes place
Psychopathology – definitions and evaluation of abnormality; approaches to explain and treat mental health disorders.

Year 13
Issues, debates and approaches in Psychology
Biopsychology – localisation, brain scanning and biological rhythms

Research Methods
Relationships – the formation and maintenance of romantic relationships; factors affecting attraction; virtual and parasocial relationships
Schizophrenia – how schizophrenia is clinically classified; approaches used to explain and treat schizophrenia
Aggression – explanations of aggression, institutional aggression and media influences on aggression.

Assessment Criteria

100% exam. No coursework.

Exam Board: AQA

Are you interested in:

  • How the mind works?
  • The relationship between mind and body?
  • Individual differences and mental disorders?
  • The scientific study of the human being?
  • The role of memory in learning?

Leading to a career in:

  • Personnel or Social Work
  • Counselling, Health or Medicine
  • Teaching or Child Care
  • Forensic Psychology or Police
  • Marketing

The subject goes well with:

  • Biology
  • Sociology
  • Health and Social Care

We advise against taking Criminology, Psychology and Sociology together, as it narrows academic scope.

Human Sciences Vision

To create an educational environment that encourages students to:

  • Be open-minded by engaging with contemporary and cultural experiences within society
  • Be intense and critical thinkers by challenging and questioning established paradigms
  • Practice values of professionalism through active participation with the research process and holistic and synoptic thinking
  • Uphold the integrity and credibility of their chosen discipline by behaving ethically

Please see the Subject Guide links below and information about the Psychology course.

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Click below to learn about the course from Psychology student, Lucy.

 

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