Welcome to the Psychology Department

Subject Overview
Teaching Aims and Objectives
Course Information
Marking and Assessment
Homework Policy
Examinations
Department Resources
Department Policies

Subject Overview

Psychology is only an option for Sixth Formers as an AS/A Level subject. The qualification consists of four modules – two in Year 12 and 2 in Year 13. As a new subject, it can appear to be exciting as it is very different from the previous GCSE options. However, it demands the ability to learn a lot of specific factual information which provides the evidence for the theories; it also requires the higher intellectual ability of analysis and critical comment. The subject taught is the AQA Psychology B syllabus.

Back to top

Teaching Aims and Objectives

The specification aims to give candidates a fundamental understanding of the theory, concepts and research practices of the subject and a critical appreciation of the scientific nature of Psychology. The course creates opportunities for critical thinking and encourages students to relate important psychological issues to contemporary events. Coursework is no longer an option, but investigations run throughout the two-year course and research methods are a compulsory section of two of the exams.

Back to top

Course Information

Year 12

AS Module 1 - This aims to create an understanding of Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Humanist and Cognitive approaches to Psychology. The course also examines the Genetic Basis of Behaviour and explores the relevant theory of Biopsychology. Research methods are also studied in order to understand how the subject attempts to prove the different approaches. This is an essential and compulsory component.

AS Module 2 – Students study Social Psychology which includes Social Influence ie conformity and obedience. These include famous studies which are the basis for the present-day thinking. Students also study Cognitive Psychology, which covers Remembering and Forgetting. The third question is based on Individual Differences and we study the various explanations for Phobias and Types of Mental Illnesses.

Year 13

A2 Module 3- Child Development and Atypical Behaviour. The topic of Child Development includes Social Development and possibly Cognitive Development. The area of Applied Options includes Explanations and the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders. The final question is based on Forensic Psychology.

A2 Module 4– This covers topics which include the Perspectives, Debates and Methods used in Psychology eg Free Will versus Determinism; Nature versus Nurture. The Approaches are studied again but in a more detailed manner as are Research Methods.

Back to top

Marking and Assessment

AS Level

A2

Back to top

Homework Policy

Students need to be prepared to spend about five hours per week outside the classroom studying the subject. This will take the form of wider reading, learning key ideas, writing notes and writing practice examination questions. Students will be set a formal essay approximately once every two weeks once they have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the subject. In the initial stages, students will be expected to do more reading, research and note-taking.

Back to top

Examinations

Students sit examinations in January and June of Year 12 and January and June of Year 13. Re-sits are possible but can be costly, both in money and time. Thus it is recommended that students study rigorously for each examination module and revise for each examination as though it cannot be re-sat.

Back to top

Department Resources

It is recommended that each student should buy their own textbook for this course. This is supplemented by books which are kept in the Library or in the Psychology classroom. Extra reading is necessary for the development of critical thinking and for extension of knowledge and understanding. As well as textbooks, there are a number of DVDs and videos which are used to support understanding of the subject. There is a variety of websites which aid learning (see the VLE for links).

Back to top

Department Policies

Written work needs to be completed in detail on a regular basis. Fortnightly essays are set to consolidate learning, to review topics and to provide examination practice.

Independent learning and research is essential in order to aid personal development and ensure academic success.

Back to top