A Level - Psychology

Course Summary

Subject: Psychology

Course Title: A Level - Psychology

Course Types: Sixth Form

Course Level: A-Level

Course Description

Introduction and Course Description

Psychology is the scientific study of brain and behaviour. The specification studied at WGSB offers students the chance to study psychological theories, research, terminology, statistics, interpretation, analysis and evaluation. The course will cover areas such as the Biological basis of behaviour (brain, nervous system, neuroscience, evolution, hormones, genetics and twin studies). Also, cognitive psychology (memory, learning and language acquisition), developmental psychology (child development), Behaviourist psychology (Watson, Pavlov & Skinner), Freudian theory and the Humanistic approach. In the second year the students develop further analytical skills as they embark upon more complex ‘options’ such as forensic psychology, Gender and Schizophrenia. There is a heavy scientific element to all topics as well as inferential statistical analysis. Students will also develop a synoptic approach to the course by learning about the philosophical debates embedded within psychological theories and applications.

Examination papers

Paper 1 - INTRODUCTORY TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY

• Section A Social Influence
• Section B Memory
• Section C Attachment
• Section D Psychopathology

Paper 2 - PSYCHOLOGY IN CONTEXT

• Section A Approaches in Psychology
• Section B Biopsychology
• Section C Research Methods

Paper 3 - ISSUES AND OPTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY

• Issues and Debates
• Gender
• Schizophrenia
• Forensic Psychology

How will I be assessed?

Papers 1, 2 and 3 each worth 96 marks (and each worth 33.3% of the A Level).

In each exam there are 3 or 4 sections. In each section there are multiple choice questions, some short structured questions and some essay-style extended writing questions. In each examination pupils will need to write at least 3 essays ranging from 6 to 16 marks. Paper 2 has 50% of its marks dedicated in scientific principles and mathematical analysis.

Future Opportunities

University: Psychology as a pure discipline at University is a very popular choice amongst undergraduates now. This has led to very high entrance requirements. However, Psychology can be studied as part of many ‘Joint Honours’ degrees or ‘Applied’ degrees and these are much more accessible to the majority of school leavers.

Careers: 

• Many possibilities, the most obvious being Psychiatry which would involve some medical training as a postgraduate as it is medicine-based.
• Psychology is also a precursor for many types of therapy or counselling careers, roles as carers with mentally ill or handicapped. Rehabilitation support, Occupational Therapy etc.
• Alternatively psychology is now utilised within many business areas such as Ergonomics (designing equipment to fit the human form e.g. car consoles or cock-pit layouts). Dynamics of hierarchy and employee well-being within large corporations often involves psychologists.
• Educational psychologists work with child assessment. This could involve issues from dyslexia diagnosis and autism to rehabilitation of abused / neglected children. The work would involve liaising with teachers, social workers, health authorities and local governments etc.

Is there anything else I should know?

The course is a science and should be approached as an A Level choice with similar considerations as might be given to studying Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology at A Level. Half of the examination content is science based with heavy bias towards A2 biological knowledge being demanded as part of the Biopsychology / Neuroscience unit. The Statistical content is very challenging and involves the studying of numerous approaches towards statistical analysis and parametric testing.

Psychology at WGSB

The department was set up in September 2005 and has remained a very popular choice during the past 16 years. The pupils engage well with the subject frequently reporting how much they enjoy the very diverse, dynamic and topical nature of the course content. They also find it a very challenging subject in that it requires high levels of commitment with regards to extra reading and the development of new skills in both scientific methodologies, extended writing skills and critical thinking. The subject is able to complement almost all combinations of choices at A Level.

Psychology is taught solely by Mrs Roberts who has a Joint Honours degree in Psychology and Biological Sciences. Pupils are actively encouraged to speak to Mrs Roberts during Year 11 if they have any further questions about the subject. They might also benefit from visiting the Psychology room to have a look through various resources and text books to see what is involved in the different topics.

Course Entry Guidelines

It is strongly recommended that a student wishing to study this subject has gained at least a Grade 5 in GCSE Biology / Science and Mathematics to study this at A Level. They should also be reminded that despite being a science, this A Level also requires extended writing skills.

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