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Psychology

Why Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour.

The A-Level will lead you through the complexities of the mind, including memory and eyewitness testimony as well as the scientific study of the brain. The course is designed to develop an awareness of the workings of the human mind and the scientific investigation of human behaviour. You will learn about a number of well-known psychological studies by influential psychologists. You will also learn about psychological research methods and the application of psychology in the real world.

What do I need to know?

Exam board: We study AQA Psychology.

Essential Entry Requirements: As well as the standard Sixth Form requirements, which must include two grade 5s or above in GCSE Combined Science, or single subject Biology at grade 5 or above.

Key Content: Topics studied include social influence, attachment, aggression, schizophrenia and cognition and development. The course also provides students with an understanding of the key approaches in psychology as well as a biopsychology unit which examines how our human biology works and influences our behaviour. Psychology links well with many careers because it gives a good understanding of ‘people’. Education, nursing, sport, marketing, therapy and psychological occupations all demand a knowledge of psychology.

What is the work like?

As an example of the kind of work that you will cover during the A-Level course, please find to the right the pre-A-Level material that we asked Year 11 to complete before starting their Psychology course with us in September 2020.

Psychology Phase 1Psychology Phase 2Psychology Phase 3

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Mrs Head will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. You are welcome to email her on samantha.head@twynhamschool.com.

To ask a Psychology student more about the course, please email student@twynhamsixthform.com and they will be happy to help you.

 

Curriculum Information

Psychology Curriculum

Year 1

Unit 1 – Introduction to topics in psychology (social influence, psychopathology, memory and attachment).
Unit 2 – Psychology in context (Approaches, biopsychology, and research methods).

Year 2

Remainder of Unit 1 - Psychopathology

Unit 3 – Issues and options in psychology (Issues and debates, schizophrenia, relationships and aggression).

 

Assessment

Psychology is 100% exam-assessed.

Paper 1:  Introduction to topics in psychology (Social influence, memory, attachment, and psychopathology) – 33.3% of the A level

Paper 2:  Psychology in context (Approaches, biopsychology, and research methods) – 33.3% of the A level

Paper 3:  Issues and options in psychology (Issues and debates, cognition and development, and aggression) – 33.3% of the A level

Additional Costs

We provide:  In class access to:-

Psychology A Level Year 1 and AS:  Cardwell and Flanagan. ISBN 978-0-19-843632-4

AQA Psychology for A level Year 2:  Flanagan, Berry, Jarvis and Liddle.  ISBN  978-1-908682-41-3


Other costs:  To be met by students

Students are advised to purchase their own revision guide for Psychology.