Subject Overview
“Psychology is life. Life is Psychology”
Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. Psychology impacts how we thing about ourselves and other and how we therefore behave in various aspects of our lives. Psychology explains our relationships with our parents, siblings, friends and why your dog gets excited when you walk towards the cupboard his food is kept in!
A level Psychology does not teach us to read minds, understand body language or be able to predict the future but it does get you thinking about why people act like they do. Why do people obey, conform or feel anxious… Why do people sleep? How does our brain work? And the burning question, what actually is love?
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 in English Language or Literature.
This requirement is because there is so much writing in Psychology (100% exam). Good knowledge of Mathematics and Biology is also required as the course is based around the anatomy of the human brain and you will be expected to carry out statistical tests.
Syllabuses (Course Outline and Structure)
We follow the AQA specification which can be found here:
In the first year you will study Memory, Attachment, Social Influence, Research methods and Psychopathology. In the second year you will study Schizophrenia, Relationships and Aggression
The course is 100% examination and this will be externally assessed through three papers, all taken at the end of your second year.
Activities and trips
Past trips have included a trip to Twycross zoo to study animal behaviour, an over night ghost hunt in a haunted school and a trip to see Derren Brown in London.
Expected Costs
You will need to buy your own textbook for this course, The Complete Companions: AQA Psychology Year 1 and AS Student Book (Fourth Edition) (Complete Companion Psychology) by Mike Cardwell and Cara Flanagan. The cost of the text book is £22.50.
Complementary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities
Psychology is a Social Science and links well with other Social Sciences such as Law, Sociology and Health and Social Care. Other popular combinations include Biology, Chemistry, English Language/Literature and Media Studies.