“I have come in order that you might have life – life in all it’s fulness. John 10:10”
‘We ensure that our young psychologists are equipped with the necessary scientific knowledge, skills and vocabulary to develop a better understanding of themselves and the wider world. The psychology curriculum will enable our learners to value the importance of Psychological research and will promote curiosity of the human mind and behaviour.’
Mrs A Brown ~ Leader of Learning
Subject Leader: Mrs A Brown
Email address: a.brown@becketonline.co.uk
What specification (syllabus) is being taught?
AQA A level Psychology (7182)
General overview
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and is therefore directly relevant to your life. It is a fascinating subject as it seeks to find explanations of human behaviour, and the complex workings of the human mind.
Who should take this course?
It is key to have an interest in why people behave the way they do and how our cognitive processes function, for example memory and attention. Students who enjoy critical thinking and weighing up the value of scientific research will be able to excel in A Level Psychology.
Psychology is a diverse subject which involves the study of a wide range of topics, from Child Psychology to Forensic Psychology. There is a lot of information to absorb, and you also learn how to apply this knowledge. An important skill we develop over the course is how to evaluate conflicting theories about human behaviour. Engaging in practical psychological research will help you to improve your knowledge of the methods psychologists use.
Psychology combines well with most A Level courses. It is classified as a Science for UCAS entry, but works well alongside any Humanities options. Psychology provides a useful foundation for any career dealing with people. Students who have studied A Level Psychology study for a diverse range of degrees including Psychology, Business, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Sciences, Teaching and Sociology.
What are the entry requirements?
Students will not be expected to have studied Psychology at GCSE, but must satisfy the general entry requirements for A Level. Overall, at least 10% of the marks in assessments for Psychology will require the use of mathematical skills.
Therefore students should be working at a level of at least a level 5 in GCSE Mathematics. A grade 5 in English is also required.
What are the key topics and themes?
When will they be taught?
Paper 1 – Introductory topics in Psychology.
2 hour exam
Year 12
- Social Influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
Paper 2 – Psychology in Context
2 hour exam
Year 12
- Research Methods
- Approaches
- Biopsychology
Year 13
- Biopsychology
- Research Methods
Paper 3 – Options in Psychology
2 hour exam
Year 13
- Schizophrenia
- Relationships
- Forensic Psychology
- Issues and Debates
How will students be assessed?
When do these assessments take place?
As shown above the A level consists of 3 x 2 hour papers all of equal weighting.
To build up to the scheduled mock examinations, students complete end of topic tests at the end of each unit (around every 6 weeks over the year).
Question styles in Psychology vary and include multiple choice questions, labelling diagrams, drawing graphs, designing your own study based on a scenario, short answer and extended essay writing.
What can students do for revision at home?
What materials are provided or available online?
In addition to the option of a textbook, all students have access to the digital version of the textbook which contains quizzes and extension activities. We teach using Knowledge Books and so students have quality resources to support their study.
Students benefit from their teachers’ interest in the psychology of learning, and so are provided with ‘how to study effectively’ and ‘how to write effectively’ booklets which are utilised throughout the course.
This is all supported by our Google Classroom which has a number of useful links, webinars and other resources. Here students can also find retrieval quizzes, information about competitions, revision conferences and talks.
Useful websites
Revision notes and past exam questions by topic (Physics and Maths Tutor)
British Psychological Society – Research Digest – the latest research to your Inbox
