A Level – Psychology – Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Entry Requirements

English – Grade 6 Either Mathematics or Biology/Combined Science – Grade 6, with a 5 in the other subject

Examination Board: AQA

Introduction/General Advice and Requirements

Ever wondered what causes criminal behaviour?

Or why do some people conform and others not?

Or perhaps if the experiences you had before the age of five really do shape the person you are today?

This qualification offers an engaging and effective introduction to Psychology, which will appeal to a cross-section of students, regardless of whether they have studied Psychology before.

Psychology is the scientific study of the brain and human behaviour. If you are interested in understanding the complexities of human behaviour, have a critical mind-set and a desire to explore psychological research across a range of topics then this course will appeal to you.

As part of your A Level we explore research into several different areas of Psychology such as cognitive psychology (memory), social psychology (conformity), developmental Psychology (attachment), biopsychology (brain and neurotransmitters), Psychopathology (abnormality) as well as focusing on the following topics in year 2: Forensic psychology, schizophrenia and relationships

There is no requirement to have studied psychology before, although it is helpful to have an inquiring mind and a good understanding of human biology. There is a large scientific component to the course which will promote students’ skills in solving scientific problems and students will come to understand how scientists investigate phenomena in their attempts to explain the world about us.

Course content and assessment

What we study:

Year 1	Year 2
Research methods Approaches Biopsychology Psychopathology Memory Social influence Attachment	Research methods Yr 2 biopsychology content Forensic psychology Schizophrenia Relationships Issues and debates in psychology

Assessment is through three equally weighted papers each 2 hours in length. Each area is assessed through a combination of multiple choice; short answer and extended writing questions

Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology

Social influence, memory, attachment and Psychopathology.

Paper 2: Psychology in context

Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research methods.

Paper 3 Issues and options in Psychology

Relationships, Schizophrenia, Forensic Psychology and issues and debates in psychology

Where will A-level Psychology take you?

Possible degree options

According to bestcourse4me.com, the top seven degree courses taken by students who have an A-level in psychology are:

• Psychology

• English studies

• Sociology

• Business studies

• Teaching

• Sport and exercise science

• Law

Student quotes:

‘The thing that interests me the most is learning how my own mind works and understanding where my behaviour comes from’ – Bertie John

‘I want to understand the diversity of human behaviour, as no two people are the same. Psychology has helped me to understand why people act in the ways that they do’ – Conor Harrison

‘What is most intriguing about psychology is that it is such a new and interesting science. The course is adapted to focus on modern everyday life which allows us to study the subject in and out of the classroom.’ Charlotte Lloyd

‘Despite what some may think, Psychology is a science and is respected by many universities, in my experience, for the skills that I have learnt. I have been inspired to take psychology at university , it is so useful to apply to life outside of the classroom. Myah Diskin

‘Psychology is such a fundamental science to understanding the world that we live in. I find it so relevant to my life and the course is adapted to focus on everyday life which allows us to study the subject in and out of the classroom.’ Charlotte Lloyd

A Level Independent Learning