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.
Key Stage 5 Information
The subject is made up of 4 units. There are two units at AS and two at A2. This year the units being studied at AS are 'Psychology: Past to Present' and 'Psychological Concepts'.
At A2 you will study the units 'Implications in the Real World' and 'Applied Research Methods', where in the latter you carry out your own personal investigation.
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 look at five approaches:
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 three behaviours: Addiction, Criminal Behaviour and Stress.
You will look at the explanations and treatments for these three 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
|
Unit Weighting
|
A01
|
A02
|
A03
|
|
AS Unit 1 |
20% (50%) |
10% (25%)
|
2.5% (6.25%)
|
7.5% (18.75%) |
|
AS Unit 2 |
20% (50%) |
6% (15%)
|
9.5%
|
4.5% (11.25%) |
A2 - Topics and Assessment
Unit
|
Unit Weighting
|
A01
|
A02
|
A03
|
|
A2 Unit 4 |
40% |
12%
|
10%
|
18% |
|
A2 Unit 4 |
20% |
3.3%
|
10%
|
6.7% |
Resources
Useful Books
-
-
-
Psychology Review – various editions covering different topics written especially for A level students.
Useful revision sites:
Some useful Websites/Magazines: