S UBJECT :
E
XAM
B
OARD
:
Q UALIFICATION :
E NTRY R EQUIREMENTS :
P SYCHOLOGY
AQA
AS one year, A Level two years (level 3)
What do I need to study the subject?
Since it is not possible, in this school, to obtain a GCSE grade in this subject, the entry requirements involve obtaining at least five and usually more, Grade C and above passes, in any subjects at GCSE. This would also mean that an average point score (from the top 8 GCSE passes) above a certain level is required to take the
subject. The student must also have a Grade B in English Language or English Literature, in Mathematics and in
Biology at GCSE together with a genuine interest in the course, a readiness to work hard and a good attendance record. Candidates will need to successfully pass AS level (with at least a Grade D) before proceeding onto the A Level course.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the Science of Behaviour and Experience. Psychologists observe behaviour, formulate a theory and then carry out experiments to test the validity of that theory.
E XAMINATION /A SSESSMENT D ETAILS (F ROM S EPTEMBER 2015):
The AS exam consists of two papers both of which are taken during Year 12 and are externally marked.
The AS qualification can be taken as a stand- alone qualification but students wishing to continue with the subject onto A level must successfully pass AS level with at least a Grade D overall.
For the A level qualification, three further papers will be taken at the end of Year 13 and are also marked externally. Students who successfully complete both AS and A level would receive a qualification at both levels.
C OURSE D ESCRIPTION :
AS Paper 1- Introductory Topics in Psychology- Social Influence, Memory, Attachment
AS Paper 2- Psychology in Context- Approaches in Psychology, Psychopathology, Research Methods
A Level Paper 1- Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology
A Level Paper 2- Approaches in Psychology, Research Methods, Biopsychology (Biology Section)
A Level Paper 3- Issues and Debates in Psychology, Relationships, Schizophrenia, Aggression
C AREER P ROGRESSION :
A-level Psychology is of use in many areas of employment. It is a requirement for anyone wishing to become an Educational Psychologist or Criminal Psychologist.
Results:
A high Percentage of Grades A – C are achieved every year with a 100% Pass Rate gained in most years at both levels.
Key Texts used:
AQA Psychology for A Level Year 1 AS Cara Flanagan (Illuminate Publishing)
AQA Psychology for A Level Year 2 Cara Flanagan (Illuminate Publishing)
AQA A Level Psychology Year 1 AS Jean Lawton (Hodder Education)
AQA A Level Psychology Year 2 Jean Lawton (Hodder Education)
A Level Psychology for AQA Year 1 Cardwell, Clark. Meldrum (Collins)
A Level Psychology for AQA Year 2 Cardwell, Clark. Meldrum (Collins)
For further information please see Mrs Snape.