Courses
Which syllabus do we follow?
We follow AQA specification for Psychology.
What is covered in the course?
Students will be introduced to a range of Psychology topics and will examine how psychologists carry out research, develop theories and implement therapies and treatment. Students will also look at current issues and debates in Psychology as well as exploring a selection of optional topics such as Schizophrenia, Gender and aggression.
Unit 1 (Introductory Topics in Psychology): Social Influence; Memory; Attachment; Psychopathology
Unit 2 (Psychology in Context): Approaches in Psychology; Biopsychology; Research Methods
Unit 3 (Issues and Options in Psychology): Issues and Debates in Psychology; Gender; Schizophrenia; Aggression
How will I be assessed?
Psychology is now a ‘linear’ A-Level which means all the exams are taken at the end of the two-year course. All the papers must be taken in a single exam season and it is now not possible to retake a paper.
| Type of Assessment | Duration | Weighting | |
| 1 | Examination: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions | 2 hours | 33.3% |
| 2 | Examination: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions | 2 hours | 33.3% |
| 3 | Examination: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions | 2 hours | 33.3% |
Is the subject right for me?
The most important quality for anyone wanting to study psychology is to find people fascinating. Are you intrigued by why people act in the way they do? If so, then psychology will capture your interest. Psychology provides many opportunities to develop skills in assessing debates and arguments. It will develop your essay writing skills, the precision with which you use language, your understanding of how to conduct research and your maths and statistics skills.