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
Gender – the differences between sex and gender, biological, cognitive and psychodynamic explanations of gender development, atypical sex chromosome patterns, the influence of culture, media and role models explaining gender development, atypical gender development - gender dysphoria
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.