Overview

Students do not need to have a GCSE in Psychology to study this subject at A Level. Students will learn mandatory topics in Year 12 and then will be taught topics in Applied Psychology plus Issues and Debates in Year 13. The mandatory topics taught in Year 12 are Memory, Social Influence and Attachment as well as Psychopathology. The Applied topics that we currently deliver in Year 13 are Stress, Addiction and Cognition and Development. Approaches, Biopsychology and Research Methods are taught throughout both years. This course will develop theoretical knowledge of Psychology and allow students to understand the factors that cause human behaviour.

KS5 Intent Statement

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Alongside being presented with a range of theories we will equip students with the skills to enable them to understand and evaluate psychological research.

Lessons also reflect and return to the underlying principle that psychology is a subject that has real world application and is constantly evolving. This means students are regularly exposed to psychology academics and practitioners, for example through TED talks and news items, so that they understand that psychology is a dynamic, current, and active area of academia with real relevance to our understanding of the world and human behaviour. Students will develop a psychological worldview – using appropriate language to understand themselves and the world around them.

Students will be able to apply their psychological insight in a wide range of occupations once they leave education; the skills and knowledge students develop in psychology have value across many work sectors including health care, business, education, law, social care, and media. In lessons, students will be given the opportunity to develop their practical skills, such as individual or group research projects, collaborative learning, and presentations.

Students will be supported to be able to succeed in their exams and assessments demonstrating the impact in terms of mastery and application of the subject. We have a significant number of year 13 students applying to university who will be supported encouraged to explore the wide range of options available. This shows that by taking Psychology at A-Level, students recognise that Psychology has offered them a new language and framework for understanding human behaviour.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: AQA
Qualification Title: Psychology
Qualification Specification Code: 7182
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the AQA webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

The summary of components is as follows:

• Introductory Topics in Psychology

• Psychology in Context

• Issues and Options in Psychology

Possible Career Paths

Psychology and/or Sociology related degrees, Clinical Psychology, NHS, Human Resources, Banking and Finance, Teaching, Counselling, Psychotherapy and many more. Learners will develop transferable skills that are vital in Further and Higher Education as well as in the workplace. They will also be able to use the knowledge learnt in A Level Psychology to gain a wider understanding of others in the work place or in wider society.