A-level Psychology

Course duration: 2 years
Contact teacher: Miss Shearer
Course requirements: GCSE Grade C or above in English and Science

What is the course about?

A-level Psychology looks into the theories and evidence that provide our understanding of how the brain works – socially, behaviourally and analytically.

Why study Psychology?

Studying Psychology will help to give you a greater understanding of what goes on in our heads. Through research, analysis and case studies you will have a greater insight into why our friends and family behave in the way they do.

How is Psychology taught?

We aim to encourage the active participation of our students through practical experiments and discussion. Students are expected to be independent learners, to carry out their own research, to read and to deliver presentations. You will need to write about experiments and case studies in a systematic and critical way.

Assessment

AS = One 1 ½ hour exam (Cognitive Psychology: Memory; Developmental Psychology: Attachment; and Research Methods) and one 1 ½ hour exam (Biological Psychology: Stress; Social Psychology: Social Influence; and Individual Differences: Abnormality)
A2 = One 1 ½ hour exam (Biological rhythms and sleep; Relationships; Perception) and one 2 hour exam (Psychopathology; Psychology in Action and Research Methods)

All of the work for this course is assessed by final written examinations. The course can open up many opportunities for you and could provide you with a good foundation to study Psychology, Sociology, Counselling, Medicine and Criminology at university. Alternatively, you may consider employment or apprenticeships within the health sector.