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.

Entry Requirements: You must have a GCSE Grade 5 or above in English and Maths, plus GCSE Combined Science 5-5 or above or GCSE Grade 5 or above in Biology. 

Key Content: Topics studied include social influence, attachment, memory, social relationships, and forensics.  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.

Pre A-Level Psychology

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, social relationships and forensics).

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, social relationships and forensics) – 33.3% of the A level

Additional Costs

 

Students are required to purchase their own text books and revision guides for psychology.

Core texts:

  • Year 1: The Complete Companions for AQA Psychology A Level: Year 1 and AS Student Book, 6th Edition (The Complete Companions for AQA, 6th Edition) Paperback. By Cardwell & McLaughlin
  • Year 2: A Level Psychology: The Complete Companions for AQA Psychology A Level: Year 2 Student Book, 6th Edition Paperback by Cardwell & McLaughlin