A Level Psychology

Our psychology department aims to enlighten and nurture our students’ intellectual curiosity of the human mind, and human behaviour, not only of themselves, in result developing introspective reflection, but also of those around them in society. Our students will leave the two-year course with a greater understanding of what it means to be human, a greater degree of empathy and a compassionate eye; they will have an increased sense of social responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and tolerance of diversity, contributing to the betterment of a global society.

OVERVIEW OF COURSE

The A Level Psychology course is an opportunity to delve into the human mind and explore, and understand, why we behave the way we do.

Exam board: AQA

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

ASSESSMENT

For the A-level Psychology course, we follow the AQA specification. There are three examination papers, each paper being 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each. The exam structure consists of multiple choice, short answer questions, and extended writing questions.

Paper 1 (2 hours): Social influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology

Paper 2 (2 hours): Approaches, Biopsychology and Research methods

Paper 3 (2 hours): Issues and Debates, Schizophrenia, Gender, Forensic Psychology

HOW PARENTS / CARERS CAN HELP


Having discussions on psychological issues/topics taught in class.

Sharing any news articles which are relevant to the topics we are studying.

Getting involved in your child’s learning e.g.: retrieval practice

Understand how your child’s A Level Psychology exam will be marked (as document provided for parents).

Checking exam notes and homework are completed the dates set.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Join/start a Psychology club at school

External conferences

Podcasts which discuss the topics we study

Volunteering at a mental health care facility or fundraising for a mental health organisation.

Visit the Freud Museum

Watch films about psychology such as "Awakenings" and "A Beautiful Mind" that encourage interesting discussions about psychological concepts.

Visit local sleep labs or university laboratories in which psychological research is being conducted