- Compulsory content of four topics, Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology
- For each topic questions will be in the following formats:
- Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, each totalling 24 marks (96 marks in total)
Psychology
A Level Psychology
Examination Board: AQA
Psychology can contribute to helping our students realise their full potential and become tolerant, confident young adults who will positively contribute to our community. By its nature, Psychology can make a powerful impact on student’s lives by giving them a unique and profound insight of self, other people, moral behaviour as well as cultural differences and similarities. Through an exploration of the scientific method, we aim to develop students’ critical perception of the world around them.
The aims of this qualification are to enable students to:
- Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of psychological theories and research
- Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills by designing and conducting research
- Articulate their interest in and enthusiasm in the subject, and to consider careers and opportunities for further studies
- Understand how society makes decisions about issues and how the psychology contributes to the success of the economy and society.
Course Content
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (33%)
Paper 2: Psychology in Context (33%)
- Compulsory content of three topics, Approaches in psychology, Biopsychology and Research methods
- For each topic questions will be in the following formats:
- Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, totalling 24 marks for first two topics and 48 marks for Research Methods (96 marks in total)
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (33%)
- Compulsory content of Issues and Debates. Three options from a choice of topics
- Topics include schizophrenia, stress, cognition and development, gender, relationships, forensic psychology and aggression
- For each topic questions will be in the following formats:
- Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, totalling 24 marks each (96 marks in total)
Extra-curricular
Students benefit from a rich programme of super-curricular opportunities designed to extend their understanding of psychology beyond the classroom. These include attendance at nationally recognised Psychology in Action conferences, where students have the opportunity to engage with leading researchers and real-world applications of psychological theory.
Students also take part in interactive examination workshops in London. Alongside this, they are encouraged to take on leadership roles by designing and delivering taster sessions and assemblies to younger pupils.