Key Features of the Course:
The AS course focuses on six very different areas of Psychology. These are: social influence, memory, attachment, approaches in psychology, psychopathology and research methods. The A2 course comprises all areas covered in the AS course, biopsychology, Forensic Psychology, the Psychology of Gender and finally Schizophrenia.
The AS and A2 course leads students into the thought provoking and controversial theories of numerous psychologists including Pavlov, Skinner and Freud. A vast array of research examples are investigated to provide students with specific insights into Psychology: the study of human behaviour.
Three hallmarks are balance, variety and active engagement. There is an appropriate balance between teacher explanations set alongside individual research. Variety is provided through a range of learning approaches (discussion, group-work, presentations, videos etc.). Students develop their understanding of Psychology through an engagement in activities. This includes paired work problem-solving exercises that require skills of mental processing and the application of reason to an issue. Students are provided with opportunities to develop their thinking skills and to grow as independent learners. / Entry Requirements:
GCSE grade 6 or higher in a humanities subject.
What could this course lead on to?
Sociology students are found in many walks of life but usually in a career that centres on the challenges of modern society such as; social services, education, criminal justice, government and counselling
What type of student is this course suitable for?
The course will appeal to students who are:
  • fascinated by human behaviour
  • seeking to have a career which directly involves them in communication with people
  • wanting to deepen their understanding about motivations underpinning people’s behaviour
  • keen to excel in a subject which is rooted both in Science and the Humanities
keen to develop their skills of explaining issues, weighing up arguments, making judgments and the advanced skill of constructing complex accounts
Title / Style of Assessment
AS Paper 1 / Social influence
Memory
Attachment / 90 minute exam
50% of AS award
Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.
AS Paper 2 / Approaches in Psychology
Psychopathology
Research methods / 90 minute exam
50% of AS award
Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.
A2 Paper 1 / Social influence
Memory
Attachment
Psychopathology / 120 minute exam
33.3% of A Level award
Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.
A2 Paper 2 / Approaches in Psychology
Biopsychology
Research methods / 120 minute exam
33.3% of A Level award
Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.
A2 Paper 3 / Issues and debates in psychology
Gender
Schizophrenia
Forensic Psychology / 120 minute exam
33.3% of A Level award
Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.