A Level Psychology

Psychology is the study of the human brain and behaviour. It is one of the most popular A Level subjects and a very popular degree course.

It is a fascinating yet challenging academic subject that requires the student to compose a logically developed discussion, using scientific evidence to support arguments. Through the study of psychology, students will develop critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills that are valued in Higher Education (HE) and in the workplace.

Studying psychology equips students to succeed in the world as healthy, well-adjusted individuals.

They will better understand the behaviour of others, they will learn how to identify and deal with stress, how to learn more effectively and how to recognise and understand the complexities surrounding mental illness. In addition, Queen Anne’s psychology students conduct several research projects and write a research report for each project in the correct academic format using referencing. This research prepares our students for university when they will be expected to conduct independent research.

At Queen Anne’s we believe that it is important that our students are afforded the opportunity to further their knowledge and broaden their understanding of psychology through engagement with those working in the field. This is why we have regular invited speakers to come and share their work and latest research findings with our students.

Aims

  • Provide you with a greater understanding of yourself and others
  • Develop your ability to form a coherent and logical argument
  • Provide you with a critical insight into human behaviour
  • Provide you with an academic A Level which counts as a science and a humanities subject
  • Develop the skills needed to design and conduct scientific research

Throughout the two-years of studying psychology, you will be given many opportunities to enrich your classroom experience through visiting speakers and trips and completion of an independent research project. In the past, we have visited London for an A Level student conference and visited the centre for neuroimaging and neuroscience at Reading University to learn more about current methods of studying brain function. As part of our digital learning strategy we make use of OneNote Classroom where you will find class materials, resources and additional links to extend learning.

Syllabus - AQA 7182

All students will follow the linear A Level AQA psychology syllabus. This A Level is entirely exam-based with no coursework component and students will be required to sit three, equally weighted, examination papers at the end of two-years of studying the course. The syllabus covers a wide range of interesting and relevant topics including social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology, relationships, stress, gender and research methods.

Examinations

Paper 1 - Introductory Topics in Psychology

  • Section A: Social Influence
  • Section B: Memory
  • Section C: Attachment, Section D: Psychopathology
  • 2 hour, written examination - 33.3%

Paper 2 - Psychology in Context

  • Section A: Approaches
  • Section B: Biopsychology
  • Section C: Research
  • 2 hour, written examination - 33.3%

Paper 3 - Issues & Options in Psychology

  • Section A: Issues and Debates
  • Section B: Gender
  • Section C: Stress, Section D: Forensic
  • 2 hour, written examination - 33.3%
Extra-Curricular Activities

Throughout the two-years of studying psychology, students will be given many opportunities to enrich their classroom experience through engagement with visiting speakers and trips and completing an independent research project. In the past, we have visited London for an A Level student conference and visited the centre for neuroimaging and neuroscience at Reading University to learn more about current methods of studying brain function. 

Potential Degree Courses and Career Choices

A Psychology degree develops excellent communication skills and independent research ability and as such it provides a solid foundation for a wide variety of career opportunities.

If a student decides to pursue a career directly related to the psychology field, options include: Educational Psychologist, Child Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Forensic/Criminal Psychologist, Health Psychologist, and Neuropsychologist

Academic Stretch

The A Level psychology course is broken down into a series of units. For each unit we have a number of additional resources that students can access to support their learning.

In addition to these resources we also offer the following enrichment opportunities in psychology each academic year:

  • L6 trip to an A Level student conference or university in London.
  • U6 ‘Brain Day’ with Dr Guy Sutton including a sheep brain dissection.

Invited guest lectures in the past have also included:

  • Inside the mind of a psychopath with Professor Neil Martin and Dr Marina Rachitskiy from Regents University.
  • Sleep and the teenage brain with Dr Nicola Barclay and Dr Fran Knight.

Additional Resources broken down by unit

Social Influence

Memory

Attachment

Psychopathology

Issues and Debates

Approaches

Biopsychology

Stress

Research Methods

Forensic

Gender

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