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Approaches: This module explores the major theoretical perspectives in psychology (like Behaviourism, Cognitive, Biological, Psychodynamic, and Humanistic) and how each one explains human behaviour.
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Social Psychology: This focuses on how the presence of others (real or imagined) affects individual behaviour, covering topics like obedience, conformity, and minority influence.
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Research Methods: This is the practical core of psychology, teaching you how to design, conduct, and analyse psychological investigations, including understanding experimental methods, sampling, and data handling (both qualitative and quantitative).
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Psychopathology: This module looks at abnormal behaviour, defining psychological abnormality, and examining different mental health disorders (like phobias, depression, and OCD), including their characteristics, causes, and treatments.
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Memory: This covers the different types, structures, and processes of human memory, exploring how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved, and why we forget.
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Attachment: This studies the formation of early emotional bonds between infants and caregivers, looking at different theories of attachment and the influence of early experiences on later relationships.
Curriculum Intent
We study Psychology to gain a scientific and research-based understanding of the mind, brain, and human behaviour. This means you will develop critical thinking and analytical skills by evaluating psychological theories and evidence, which will enable you to better understand yourself and others, fostering empathy and compassion. Ultimately, studying Psychology allows us to explore the complexities of human experience and the different factors that influence our actions, preparing learners for a variety of roles across society, including those focused on wellbeing and mental health.
Entry requirements: 5 grades 5-9 at GCSE including English, maths and science.
Assessment: 3 x 2 hrs exams all sat at the end of the course in the summer window of year 13.
ks5: psychology
The AQA A-Level Psychology course is a linear qualification that is typically studied over two years. It is a Level 3 qualification worth UCAS points for university progression, which is taught over two years. The qualification is 100% assessed by three separate 2-hour written examinations at the end of the course, with no coursework component, and a significant portion of the assessment focuses on scientific research methods and the application of mathematical skills. Successfully completing the A-Level provides a strong academic foundation, leading to university degrees in Psychology, Neuroscience, Criminology, Law, and various roles across healthcare, education, and business.
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Issues and Debates: This module involves critically examining the fundamental philosophical questions in psychology, such as nature vs. nurture, free will vs. determinism, and ethical considerations, which run across all areas of the subject.
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Forensic Psychology: This applies psychological principles to the criminal justice system, covering topics like offender profiling, the reasons behind criminal behaviour, and dealing with offenders (e.g., custodial sentencing and restorative justice).
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Schizophrenia: This is an in-depth study of a major mental health disorder, examining the characteristics, biological, and psychological explanations for the condition, along with various methods of treatment and management.
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Further Research Methods: Building on Year 12, this section deepens understanding of advanced statistical analysis (inferential testing), data presentation, and the mathematical requirements of psychological research.
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Relationships: This explores the various facets of human relationships, including the formation, maintenance, and breakdown of both romantic and parent/offspring bonds, often covering factors like physical attractiveness and filtering theories.