A Level Psychology

Psychology is an attractive subject to many students as it develops a range of valuable skills, including independent thinking, research and critical analysis. These skills are transferable to HE and the workplace. Psychology looks at human behaviour and uses science to explain why we behave the way we do. For this reason, Psychology works alongside many other subjects and disciplines, including education, health, sports, science, humanities, and law. It also works as a stand-alone subject and if a young person wishes to further their knowledge and understanding within this field (at university) then they are able to do so before choosing a future career.

The examining body that we follow is AQA so full details of the course can be found on their website. However, in summary, A1 students will study the following topics:

Social Influence (e.g. conformity, obedience, social change)

Memory (e.g. models of memory, forgetting, eyewitness testimony)

Attachment (e.g. animal studies, stages/theories of attachment, maternal deprivation)

Approaches in Psychology (theory based) Psychopathology (e.g. abnormality, depression, OCD, phobias)

Research Methods

At the end of the course students will be externally examined and sit three examinations where they will be tested on their ability to answer a range of questions which include both short and extended responses.

To join BG6, you must achieve five or more GCSE grades 4 or above. These must include a minimum GCSE grade 4 in English Language or Literature and Mathematics and also meet the specific subject entry requirements for courses you are interested in.

SPECIFIC SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS:

GCSE Grade 5 in English Language, GCSE Grade 5 in Mathematics and GCSE Grade 5 in Biology.

Psychology allows you to move onto different careers and pathways, including law, social work, education and health based careers. In addition, many students who study Psychology do move onto Russell Group universities.