Psychology is currently only available for study in the sixth form; the AS is taken in year 12 and the A2 course which completes the A level award is taken and examined in year 13. Psychology is an interesting, stimulating and challenging subject that complements a wide range of traditional subjects. In essence, psychology is “the science of the mind”; its subject matter is primarily people, their experiences and their behaviour although it does include some study of non-human animals.

The current psychology specification has been introduced which has been designed to provide a broad introduction to the scope and nature of psychology as a science. The emphasis continues to be on applying knowledge (rather than just acquiring it), thereby developing students’ transferable skills of analysis, evaluation and critical thinking.

At AS level, the course offers a broad range of topics such as memory, early social development, stress, social influence and psychopathology (individual differences). Research methods are studied within the context of these areas. At A2 there is a range of topic-based options such as biological rhythms and sleep, relationships, aggression, gender, learning and intelligence and cognitive and social development. Three of these will be studied in depth and the aim is to bring together explanations from different approaches and to engage students in issues and debates in contemporary psychology.

A wide variety of teaching methods are used but the focus is on student participation and interaction. Independent learning methods are encouraged and actively developed throughout the one or two years of study. The new course promises to be an exciting challenge and a significant move in the development of a relevant and accessible A level curriculum.

Course Content

Psychology is an interesting, stimulating and challenging subject that complements a wide range of traditional subjects. Psychology is “the science of the mind”; its subject matter is primarily people, their experiences and their behaviour although it does include some study of non-human animals.
The new specification has been designed to provide a broad introduction to the scope and nature of psychology as a science. The emphasis continues to be on applying knowledge (rather than just acquiring it), thereby developing students’ transferable skills of analysis, evaluation and critical thinking.

AS

The topics to be studied are all compulsory and are as follows:

AS level topics include memory, early social development, stress, social influence and psychopathology (individual differences). Research methods are studied within the context of these areas.

A2

At A2 there is a range of topic-based options such as biological rhythms and sleep, relationships, aggression, gender, learning and intelligence and cognitive and social development. Three of these will be studied in depth and the aim is to bring together explanations from different approaches and to engage students in issues and debates in contemporary psychology. The final module is divided into three sections – psychopathology (where schizophrenia will be studied in depth); psychology in action (where the likely topic is media psychology); and psychological research & scientific method (which will include practical investigative techniques).

Coursework

Learning Methods and Assessment

Learning methods include discussions, debates, videos, individual and group presentations, classroom exercises and activities. Students are expected to make an active contribution to whatever method is being used. There is a very wide syllabus to cover and students are required to carry out substantial research on their own. Essay writing is an important skill to be regularly practised, especially in A2. In AS the essence is to learn the art of concise writing. Students must be prepared to spend time reading around the subject or researching specific topics – in this way the vital skills of independent learning will acquired and developed.

Resources

Clubs/Activities

Expectations of Students

As psychology will be a new subject all students need to be aware of the need for strong analytical and evaluative skills. They must be persuasive writers as there is rarely a single, correct answer to any question. The aim is to use psychological knowledge and evidence in order to support an argument or opinion. Fluency (both written and verbal) is essential as is an interest in science (particularly human biology) and a facility in maths and the interpretation of numerical data.

Attendance at a one day student conference each year is also encouraged.

Careers Implications

A first degree in psychology can lead to a further degree in a wide range of related fields (e.g. clinical, educational, occupational psychology etc.). However it is also highly regarded and a useful entry point for virtually any career that involves interacting with people. N.B. Psychology is now ‘officially’ a science and as such continues to be regarded as an alternative science by universities and medical schools.

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