Psychology

Subject teacher: Mrs A Spurr, Dr Brooks
Level of teaching: Key Stage 5

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

This course is not studied at Key Stage 3.


Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)

This course is not studied at Key Stage 4.


Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13)

Course Code: A Level Psychology AQA 7182
Exam Board Specification: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182

Recommended Entry Requirements

  • Grade 5 GCSE Biology or Combined Science
  • Grade 5 English and Mathematics
  • A genuine interest in studying the human mind and our behaviour.

Why Psychology?

Learn about a wide range of human behaviour and the different ways in which psychologists have tried to explain and, in some cases, treat them. We build on your understanding of how science works, examine research methods and analysis and also generate theories.

You will study fascinating topics including: how memory works, how psychology can help improve eyewitness evidence in court and how, as babies, we form our attachment to our carers. We look at what happens in the brain to cause certain behaviours (biopsychology), and study ‘abnormal’ behaviours such as OCD, phobias and depression. We also study social influences such as how we deal with authority and how likely we are to obey someone in authority, or who seems to be!

Assessment

33.3% – Paper 1 – Introductory Topics in Psychology
33.3% – Paper 2 – Psychology in Context
33.3% – Paper 3 – Issues and Options in Psychology

Recommended Reading

AQA Psychology for A level Year 1 and Year 2 – Student Book and Revision Guide by C Flanagan et al.
Psychology Review Magazine (Hodder Education). Online archives also available.
British Psychological Society
https://www.bps.org.uk/

Psychology News