Psychology is the scientific study of human thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Students investigate why people behave as they do, exploring topics such as memory, child development, mental health, social influence, and the brain.
There are many different approaches to Psychology including investigating Social, Cognitive, Biological and Developmental factors that explain thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
Psychology develops critical thinking, research, and analytical skills while providing valuable insights into everyday life.
About the Curriculum
Pupils opting for Psychology A Level follow the AQA Psychology specification. Pupils are taught by two subject specialists and have eight periods per week.
The course is split up into eleven units taught over two years and assessed by terminal written exams in the Upper Sixth.
The curriculum provides a challenging course that requires various different skills including mathematical skills (10% of the exam will be maths-based); scientific skills, whereby the students conduct their own research; analytical skills in evaluating research; and skills in essay-writing.
The course consists of three components, with three separate 2-hour exams at the end of the course.
Component 1: Introducing Topics in Psychology
- Social influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
Component 2: Psychologgy in Context
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research methods
Component 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
- Issues and debates
- Relationships
- Forensic psychology
- Schizophrenia
Learning approach
Our Psychology A Level course is taught through a dynamic and engaging approach that encourages students to become curious, independent learners. Lessons combine teacher-led explanations with discussion, debate, practical investigations, and the analysis of real-world research, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of psychological theories and their applications. Students are encouraged to think critically, evaluate evidence, and apply their knowledge to contemporary issues, while regular retrieval practice, exam-style questions, and personalised feedback help to build confidence and prepare them for assessment. We foster a supportive classroom environment where students are challenged to question, reflect, and develop the analytical and communication skills that will benefit them both at university and in their future careers.
Some approaches used include:
- Student presentation and discussion
- Detailed analysis of psychology concepts, theories and research, which provide opportunities to evaluate the findings of past researchers and to consider the ethical implications of their methodology.
- Use of recent articles and newspaper cuttings to highlight the continued relevance of Psychology to daily life.
- Encouraging students to carry out guided psychological investigations on accessible topics, to explore and evaluate psychological methodology.
- Provision of background reading to encourage students to engage more widely with issues and ideas not engaged by the teaching specification.
Enrichment
Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge of Psychology to real life situations through additional written assignments throughout the academic year. Examples of recent assignments include analysing recent terror attacks from a psychological point of view and analysing how political parties/newspapers try to create cognitive biases in the general population to influence voting behaviour. These assignments allow the students to take a different perspective of current affairs revealing the motivating forces behind everyday life.
The Department also attends a Psychology conference each year, where students listen to several interesting lectures. In previous years the students have enjoyed lectures on; the influence of dance on the brain, how behavioural science is used in politics and marketing to influence behaviour, the neuroscience of mental health and why people become psychopaths.
Careers
Psychology A Level opens the door to a wide range of exciting university courses and career opportunities. Students develop valuable skills in critical thinking, communication, research, data analysis, and problem-solving, all of which are highly sought after by universities and employers. Many students progress to degrees in Psychology, leading to careers in areas such as clinical, educational, forensic, counselling, occupational, or sports psychology. Others go on to study subjects including law, criminology, sociology, business, education, nursing, and social work, leading to careers in healthcare, teaching, human resources, marketing, policing, the legal profession, research, and many other fields. Whatever their future ambitions, Psychology provides a strong academic foundation and equips students with transferable skills that support success in a wide variety of professions.
