Megan NG
A-Level Psychology
6 in GCSE English or in a Humanities Subject, 5 in GCSE Maths, 6 in Psychology if taken at GCSE
Have you ever wondered why people turn to crime, what influences behaviours such as helpfulness, or to what extent your behaviour is controlled by your genes? If so, then Psychology is the subject for you. Throughout the course, you will discover some fascinating theories of human behaviour, challenge your previously held beliefs and develop your analytical, investigative, evaluative and writing skills along the way.
Through this course, you will learn how to carry out research to study human behaviour and will be given the opportunity to apply your knowledge and conduct your own research. Most of the research that psychologists do falls into one of five general areas: developmental, social, biological, cognitive and individual differences. We will consider each of these in turn, using previous studies to help us understand the different approaches. We will also be discussing the following topics: Issues in Mental Health, Child Psychology and Criminal Psychology.
Many students go on to study a psychology-related degree, but it will also prepare students well for other degrees and careers in areas such as biology, sociology, philosophy, maths, counselling, medicine (particularly psychiatry), nursing, nutrition, policing, criminology and forensics. The skills you will develop during the course will be useful for you, no matter what field you choose to enter.
12 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Research Methods | Develops knowledge and understanding of planning, conducting, analysing and reporting psychological research across a range of experimental and non-experimental methodologies and techniques |
Core Studies within the Social Area | Develop understanding of a central area of investigation in psychology and 2 classic and 2 contemporary core studies within this area | |
Core Studies within the Developmental Area | Develop understanding of a central area of investigation in psychology and 2 classic and 2 contemporary core studies within this area | |
Core Studies within the Cognitive Area | Develop understanding of a central area of investigation in psychology and 2 classic and 2 contemporary core studies within this area | |
Core Studies within the Individual Differences Area | Develop understanding of a central area of investigation in psychology and 2 classic and 2 contemporary core studies within this area | |
Core Studies within the Biological Area | Develop understanding of a central area of investigation in psychology and 2 classic and 2 contemporary core studies within this area | |
Areas, Perspectives and Debates | Develop the ability to generate an extended discussion and recognise the inter-relationship between different areas, perspectives and debates in psychology. | |
13 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Issues in Mental Health | Develop understanding of the background, key research and applications of this aspect of psychology |
Criminal Psychology | Develop understanding of the background, key research and applications of this aspect of psychology | |
Child Psychology | Develop understanding of the background, key research and applications of this aspect of psychology |
There are three units in A level Psychology, all assessed by exams at the end of year 13. There is no coursework or controlled assessment.
Unit 1 – Research Methods
This unit introduces students to the world of psychological research methods. Students are required to conduct their own practical work. It provides students with the opportunity to understand what’s involved in a range of different research methods and techniques, and it creates awareness of associated strengths and weaknesses. Students are encouraged to reflect on their research journeys as they develop vital investigative skills and develop an appreciation of the principles of empirical scientific enquiry.
Assessment: Two hour exam paper
90 marks
30% of the A-level
Unit 2 – Psychological themes through core studies
Candidates build knowledge and understanding of 20 psychology studies, in addition to developing evaluation skills and an appreciation of wider psychological approaches/perspectives, theories, issues and debates. It introduces some of the central areas of investigation in psychology, which are organised in key themes.
Each key theme is represented by a classic and a contemporary core study which enables students to appreciate how psychological knowledge and understanding develop over time. The areas covered are individual differences, developmental, social, biological and cognitive psychology.
Assessment: Two hour exam paper
105 marks
35% of the A-level
Unit 3 – Applied Psychology
You will cover three different topics in this unit: Issues in Mental Health, Child Psychology and Criminal Psychology.
Through these topics, students explore applications of psychology and gain an insight into how theory can be applied to real-world situations. The assessment provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning through extended writing.
Assessment: Two hour exam paper
105 marks
35% of A-level
Encourage regular revision and completion of homework
If possible, help them revise by quizzing them based on flashcards they make
Essential stationery, folder, notebook, scientific or graphical calculator, textbook
Throughout the year, students are set a wide range of tasks for homework. These tasks include making notes from the textbook, completing past paper exam questions, making revision materials, etc. Students will also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of research methods and conduct small-scale research projects. These projects are not coursework, but students will need to reflect on their projects in the exams.
Lectures by Guest Speakers
Each subject is also part of our ‘Super-curricular’ initiative, which aims to develop your wider understanding of academic subjects and support your learning – more information can be found here.
Freud Museum London
Cambourne Sixth Form
Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne
Cambridge CB23 6FR
Tel: 01954 284000
Email: info@cambournesixthform.org
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