Qualification

A Level

Exam Board

AQA

Course Leader

Miss Wright

Course summary

Psychology is the scientific study of thought and behaviour in which we encourage leaners to question how they see the world. In A level Psychology, learners get the chance to understand, apply and critically evaluate psychological theories and research. After A Level, learners can choose to study Psychology or a related subject at university (such as Criminology). Psychology has many applications in the world of work including in fields such as education, health, sport, counselling, policing, and business.

What will students learn?

Memory, Attachment, Social Influence, Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Psychopathology, Research Methods

Students will build upon their understanding of Research Methods. In addition, we cover Issues and Debates in Psychology, and option topics. This will include three from Cognition & Development, Relationships, Criminal psychology, Schizophrenia, Eating behaviours and Addiction

How will students be assessed?

The A level course is assessed via terminal examination; there is no coursework and there are no controlled assessments. You will learn about the research process and may get the opportunity to undertake some practical work of your own. In each of the three papers there will be questions that assess your knowledge and understanding of practical Psychology.

There are three 2-hour examination papers which are sat at the end of the second year:

• Paper One examines Memory, Attachment, Social Influence and Psychopathology.

• Paper Two examines Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods.

• Paper Three examines Issues and Debates in Psychology, plus the three option topics

Learners are formally assessed using exam style questions in lessons. They also undertake practice examinations at several points over the two-year course.