Psychology

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The Curriculum

Psychology is a subject that gives an understanding of how to function effectively in the real world; to understand why we behave as we do and how to communicate and work with others in wider society.

Students will develop an ability to understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and discuss psychological terms, concepts, research studies and explanations/approaches of human behaviour; students will apply knowledge and understanding of material covered to real-life behaviours and learn to critically analyse the credibility of theories and research studies examined.

We will provide opportunities for an enriched understanding and appreciation of the subject by starting to integrate key issues and debates surrounding human behaviour; this will lead to a respect for all, through deeper compassion and empathy for the diverse behaviours displayed by others and the wealth of issues experienced. Students will develop comprehension skills in listening and reading to a level where they are able to understand psychological terms and concepts.

Throughout their learning journey, students will have the opportunity to develop literacy, mathematical and science-based knowledge and skills, the knowledge acquired in GCSEs will be highly relevant to studying Psychology. Students will learn how to pay attention to detail, solve problems, analyse beyond face value, think ‘out of the box’. The skills learned will enable students to enter the world as a skilled, perceptive and adaptive member of society.

 

Key Stage 5

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

 

 

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. You will study fascinating topics including: how memory works, how psychology can help improve eyewitness evidence, how we form our attachments as babies, what happens in the brain to cause certain behaviours, ‘abnormal’ behaviours such as OCD, phobias and depression, social influences and obedience, romantic relationships, schizophrenia, forensic psychology and offender profiling. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

  • Grade 5 GCSE Biology or Grade 5-5 GCSE Combined Science 
  • Grade 6 English
  • A genuine interest in studying the human mind and our behaviour. 

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 

EXTRA AND SUPER CURRICULAR 

  • Shepton Mallet Prison visit and ‘Behind Bars’ conference in Year 12. 
  • Year 13 invited to attend a Tutor2U revision conference in December in Bristol. 

FUTURE PATHWAYS 

University degrees, apprenticeships and careers in Education, Sports Science, Forensic Psychology, Educational and Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Occupational Health, HR, Life Coaching, Advice Work, Market Research, Marketing and Sales. 

COMPLEMENTARY A LEVELS 

Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Business Studies, English, Geography, Sociology. 

 

Key Stage 5 Psychology Curriculum Map