Key Stage 5 Information
Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. The discipline of Psychology embraces all aspects of the human experience– from the functions of the brain to the environment in which humans and other animals develop.
This course has been designed to provide a broad introduction to the scope and nature of psychology as a science. The emphasis is on applying knowledge and understanding rather than just acquiring knowledge, thereby developing your transferable skills of analysis, evaluation and critical thinking.
LHS A-Level Psychology Results 2019:
A* - A - 25%
A* - C - 81.25%
A* - E - 100%
At A level we follow the WJEC specification. Information and the full specification can be found here.
At AS level you will study topics such as:
Unit 1: Psychology Past to Present
You will look at five approaches;
Behavioural approach, Cognitive approach, Psychodynamic approach Positive Psychology and the Biological approach. We will then look at classic research related to each approach and will apply each approach to the formation of a relationship.
Unit 2: Using Psychological concepts
You will also study Research Methods and contemporary Debates in Psychology such as; Ethics of Neuroscience and reliability of Eye Witness Testimony.
At A2 level you will study topics such as:
Unit 3: Implications in the Real World
You will look at the study of 3 behaviours; Addiction, Criminal Behaviour and Stress. You will look at the explanations and treatments for these 3 behaviours.
Unit 4: Applied Research Methods
You will carry out a personal investigation and then apply Research Methods learnt to novel scenarios.
AS - Topics and Assessment
Unit
|
Assessment
|
A level weighting and marks
|
Content and question type
|
|
AS Unit 1: Psychology Past to Present |
Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes |
20% of qualification
(80 Marks)
|
Compulsory questions relating to five psychological approaches and classic pieces of research.
|
|
AS Unit 2: Using Psychological concepts |
Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes |
20% of qualification
(80 marks)
|
Section A: Contemporary debate One question linked to the given debates.
Section B: Principles of research and application of research methods Principles of research
Compulsory questions on the theory of psychological research (including the work of social and developmental psychologists).
Application of research methods to a novel scenario
Compulsory questions requiring a response to a piece of research previously unseen
|
A2 - Topics and Assessment
Unit
|
Assessment
|
A level weighting and marks
|
Content and question type
|
|
A2 Unit 3: Implications in the Real World |
Written exam: 2 hour 30 minutes |
40% of qualification
(100 marks) |
Section A: The study of behaviours Three structured essays from a choice of six.
Section B: Controversies in psychology One question from a choice of two requiring a synoptic exploration of psychological controversies.
|
|
A2 Unit 4: Applied Research Methods |
Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes |
20% of qualification
(60 marks) |
Section A: Personal investigations Compulsory questions based on investigative activities carried out prior to the assessment.
Section B: Application of research methods to novel scenarios Compulsory questions requiring a response to pieces of research.
|