Psychology
Lead: Mrs Unadkat
Email: vbackory.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
Subject overview
A Level Psychology offers an engaging and effective introduction to Psychology. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by Higher Education (HE) and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.
Psychology will look more in-depth to the following questions:
- Why do people behave the way they do?
- Why do people conform? Why do people obey?
- How do we remember and why do we forget?
- How do our earliest relationships influence our later ones?
- What happens when you cut a brain in half?
- Why do phobias exist?
- How can we treat depression?
- Does free will exist?
- Is there such a thing as a male or female brain?
- How do we tell the difference between science and pseudoscience?
- Are people born or made criminal?
“Psychology is interesting as we learn new things about ourselves and how we work as humans.” – Student
Exam Board: AQA
Course Specification: 7182
Qualification obtained: : AQA Advanced Level GCE in Psychology
Entry requirements:
Students must achieve at least six 9-4 grades including English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.
Grade 5 in Mathematics & 5 in English Language
What you will study
Psychology A level is split into three components which are taught over the course Year 12 & 13, each component is equally weighted with subtopics within each.
Year 12
Topics covered:
Component 1: Introductory topics in psychology
- Social influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
Component 2: Psychology in context
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research methods
Year 13
Topics covered:
Component 3: Issues and Options
- Issues and debates
- Cognition
- Schizophrenia
- Aggression
- Exam Preparation
Assessment
Assessment percentage:
100% Exam
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Assessment | Weight |
| 01 | Introductory Topics in Psychology | Written Examination: 96 marks, 2hr | 33.33% |
| 02 | Psychology in context | Written Examination: 96 marks, 2hr | 33.33% |
| 03 | Issues and Options | Written Examination: 96 marks, 2hr | 33.33% |
Progression routes
Psychology is a great subject to study because it will not only give you several transferable skills, it will also teach you more about the way people think. An understanding of the human mind is useful in several careers. Possible degree options, according to bestcourse4me.com, the top seven degree courses taken by students who have an A-level in psychology are Psychology, English studies, Sociology, Business studies, Teaching, Sport and exercise science and Law.
Additional Information
Course specific equipment:
- Lever Arch Folders
- Paper
Essential Reading Material:
AQA A-level Psychology Book 1. Cara Flanagan, Paperback ISBN-10: 9781908682406
AQA A-level Psychology Book 2. Cara Flanagan, Paperback ISBN-10: 9781908682413
Recommended resources:
Websites:
www.unconsciouscurriculum.com
https://www.tutor2u.net/psychology
Novels:
Psychology Review – Phillip Allan.
Enrichment:
Trip to London Zoo Attend Psychology Conferences