Psychology
Psychology is a popular choice of subject for AS and A-Level. Many of the students who take A-Level Psychology go on to study the subject at university, including one student who has recently gone to Oxford University to read Psychology.
So what is Psychology?
Psychology is the study of behaviour. It is a subject that forms a link between the biological sciences and the social sciences. If you think that by studying this course you will be able to read people's minds or be a qualified psychiatrist after one year then you will be disappointed. Psychology has recently been classified as a Science by the QCA, and it combines well with both Arts and Science courses at A-Level
Aims of the course
This course encourages students to:
- Study psychological theories, research, terminology, concepts, studies and methods.
- Develop skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation.
- Develop an understanding of different areas of Psychology, including the core areas of Cognitive, Social, Developmental Physiological Psychology and Individual Differences and Research Methods.
- Design and report psychological investigations and analyse and interpret data.
- Develop an understanding of ethical issues in Psychology, including the ethical implications of psychological research.
Course followed: AQA Psychology A 2180: AS AS/A Level in Psychology
Entry requirements
It is not necessary to have studied the subject at GCSE. However, as this is a subject that needs competent written answers, then a grade B in English would be useful. At A2 Level, the entry assessment is by essays.
For AS, the 2 modules will be:
Module 1: PSY 1
Cognitive Psychology - Memory
Developmental Psychology - Early social development
Research methods
Module 2: PSY2
Biological Psychology - Stress
Social Psychology - Social influence
Individual Differences - Psychopathology
For A2, possible areas of study include:
- Addiction
- Aggression
- Gender
- Eating Disorders
- Paranormal Psychology
- Relationships
Exam Results and Statistics
In 2011, 12 students took A-level Psycholgy. the pass rate was 100%, 91.74% at A/B grades.
In 2010, 8 students took A-level Psycholgy. the pass rate was 100%, all at A/B grades.
In 2009, 4 students took A-level Psycholgy. the pass rate was 100%, 75,4% at A/B grades.
Staff
Mrs. C. Dudson BA PGCE
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