A Level Psychology

Mrs C Thomas-Smith - Curriculum Team Leader Psychology

Introduction – why choose this subject?

This specification has been designed so that candidates will acquire the essential knowledge and understanding of psychological thoughts and methods, together with the application of a range of skills. Psychology at Allerton High is a popular course and is a subject that gives a detailed insight into the human mind and explains how and why people behave how they do. There are a number of reasons to choose psychology as an A-Level, it is exciting, challenging and useful in many areas as it has applications to the real world, including; explanations of addiction, methods of modifying criminal behaviour and the importance of happiness and mindfulness in facilitating our mental wellbeing.

Former students say that it is an extremely interesting, challenging and enjoyable subject to study. They also emphasise that despite being fun, there is a lot to learn and the subject requires commitment and hard work.

By studying psychology using scientific methodology, students gain a broad skill set that prepares them for Higher Education or a wide range of potential careers.

Course overview

Component 1: Psychology past to present: The purpose of this component is to give a solid grounding in some of the basic core aspects of psychology. The intention through the study of classic research is to gain an appreciation that psychology continues to develop and evolve. The early ideas should not be dismissed but rather studied in context with consideration of the advances made in more recent years. Learners will be asked to explore contemporary debates using their knowledge and understanding of the five approaches (biological, psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive and positive).

Component 2: Investigating behaviour: The purpose of this component is for learners to acquire the skills of working scientifically. This includes covering the principles of research. It is designed to introduce learners to the methodologies used by psychologists and to gain an appreciation of the impact of choices made on the outcomes of the research. Learners should appreciate the limitations of scientific research and when dealing with the complexities of humans as test material, there are several issues which need to be considered. Students will also apply their knowledge to their own first hand investigations.

Component 3: Implications in the real world: Having learnt about the various psychological approaches in Component 1, learners are expected to apply this knowledge and understanding to addiction, schizophrenia and criminal behaviours. Learners should be able to explain and draw conclusions about the possible causes of these behaviours and understand that psychology has the potential to impact on society as a whole by developing methods of modifying behaviour. In addition, learners should explore five controversies that continue to pose challenges for psychology. These controversies can be considered synoptically and draw on the content from the whole of the specification

How is the course examined?

At the end of the two year course, students will sit 3 exams which are all equally weighted.

Component 1: Psychology past to present

Component 2: Investigating behaviour

Component 3: Implications in the real world