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Psychology
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Students will learn to:
appreciate the scientific nature of Psychology;
engage in contemporary debates through an understanding of research;
develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of Psychology;
assess the validity and relevance of information.
A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SIXTH FORM?
Psychology is the study of how the mind works and the reasons why people behave as they do. Students are required to analyse various approaches to Psychology and use scientific methods to investigate and develop an understanding of both their own and others behaviours.
No prior knowledge of the subject is required but it expected that students will have a minimum grade 6 in English, Mathematics and Biology at GCSE.
students who have an interest in human behaviour and who wish to understand the reasons behind it
students who are able to interpret and form independent judgements about various different approaches to Psychology
students who enjoy carrying out practical techniques and are able to record and communicate valid observations and measurements
WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION?
A Level: The A Level consists of three units:
This unit introduces the social, cognitive, biological and learning approaches to Psychology (sections A-D). The final section (E) covers Issues and Debates, considering contemporary debates in Psychology, such as ethics and the nature versus nurture debate. Students will also be required to apply their knowledge of psychological studies and theories to real life situations.
The unit has 90 marks. Sections A-D total 70 marks and comprise mixed question types, including stimulus response and short answer questions. Section E totals 20 marks comprising two extended response questions on issues and debates.
This unit comprises two sections. Section A, clinical psychology, is mandatory and Section B includes a choice of one of three optional topic choices from criminological, child and health psychology.
This unit has 90 marks. Section A has 54 marks comprised of mixed question types, including data response and short answer questions and a 20 mark essay covering the topic area of clinical psychology. Section B has 36 marks comprising of data response, short answer and extended response questions.
This unit is synoptic and students are required to draw on other areas of the A Level in order to understand conceptual and methodological issues. Students will study scientific research methods and statistics, ethical issues which must be considered in psychological research and issues and debates such as the use of psychology as a means of social control and within society.
Section A has 24 marks, Section B has 24 marks and Section C has 32 marks. Each section comprises mixed question types including data response, short answer questions and extended response questions based on psychological studies, issues and debates.
WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE?
You could go on and study Psychology at university, although please note that for some courses another science subject (normally Biology) may also be required. Oxbridge entrants will also require Chemistry or Mathematics. Other courses, such as Criminology, also draw on the skills and knowledge acquired in A Level Psychology, and it is a useful third A Level for whatever course you eventually decide to apply for.
A Level Psychology is also highly valued for a wide range of careers such as teaching, the police force, law, and health care.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS
Edexcel provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate.
Go to http://www.edexcel.org.uk
