Psychology

A Level

There are several different options of study for A Level Psychology, covering different areas of focus. The offer to students is likely to vary depending on the CLF staff teaching A Level in any given year. Currently, student’s study the following list:

Social Influence - the ways in which individuals change their behaviour to meet the demands of a social environment.

Memory - the faculty of the brain by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed.

Attachment - can be defined as a deep and enduring emotional bond between two people in which each seeks closeness and feels more secure when in the presence of the attachment figure.

Approaches in Psychology - An approach is a perspective (i.e., view) that involves certain assumptions (i.e., beliefs) about human behaviour: the way they function, which aspects of them are worthy of study and what research methods are appropriate for undertaking this study.

Psychopathology - the study of abnormal cognition, behaviour and experiences which differs according to social norms and rests upon several constructs that are deemed to be the social norm at any era.

Research Methods - Topics include research design, quantitative and qualitative forms of analysis, ethical issues in research, and appropriate documentation of research processes and outcomes.

Biopsychology - the application of the principles of biology to the study of physiological, genetic, and developmental mechanisms of behaviour in humans and other animals.

Aggression - the term “aggression” refers to a range of behaviours that can result in both physical and psychological harm to yourself, others, or objects in the environment. Aggression centres on hurting another person either physically or mentally.

Schizophrenia - A severe mental illness where contact with reality and insight are impaired, an example of psychosis.

Issues and Debates - The key issues and debates include gender and culture in psychology; free will and determinism; the nature-nurture debates; idiographic and nomothetic approaches and ethical issues and social sensitivity.

Cognition and Development - Cognitive development means how children think, explore and figure things out. It is the development of knowledge, skills, problem solving and dispositions, which help children to think about and understand the world around them.

Curriculum

As a student of Psychology, you will develop your intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive capabilities through a varied curriculum. You will develop a deep appreciation of the intersectionality of the differing approaches in Psychology and use a critical approach to analysing the contribution of competing theories. These skills will also enable you to develop confidence in a variety of areas including written and verbal communication, mathematical skills and working towards developing problem solving skills. You will develop an enthusiasm for psychological debate and understanding of critical issues along with an appreciation of how the discipline is interwoven into many areas including world affairs. Your knowledge and experience of research and debating real-world contexts will be developed through visits, independent group work and practical activities, alongside critical reading and application to the real world.

Progression

BSc (Hons) Psychology degree; BSc Psychology with sociology/law/ criminology/counselling/mental health nursing/social work/teaching.

Careers

Clinical/educational/occupational psychologist; counsellor; teacher; lecturer; social worker; youth counsellor; music therapist; mental health nursing; social work; teaching; human resources; police.

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in Maths, English and Science.

Assessment

Students will study the AQA specification and be assessed through three examinations at the end of year 13. Topics for each exam include:

Paper 1:
Social Influence
Memory
Attachment
Clinical psychology and mental health

Paper 2:
Approaches in psychology
Biopsychology
Research Methods

Paper 3:
Issues and debates in psychology
Relationships
Schizophrenia
Aggression

Opportunities for work related activities

Zoo visit: Animal observation and behavioural talk. Mental health Museum.