Psychology AQA
Why Study Psychology?
Psychology is an exciting subject that answers many questions all about YOU. Psychology focuses on the ‘scientific study of brain and behaviour’, so you will have the opportunity to design practicalinvestigations such as observations and experiments.
You will look at many examples of psychological studies and learn tocritically analyse their ideas and their methods. Human behaviour is complicated and psychologists take a number of approaches, including exploring the way the brain processes information, how ourbiology affects our behaviour and how some behaviours are learned through our social interactions.
Psychology is highly valued by employers for the skills that you develop in critical analysis, presentation, research, numeracy and written communication. Every year students at Rendcomb College have gone on to study Psychology at university from which they can then follow pathways into education, sport, marketing, business management, counselling and health related professions including Health and Clinical Psychology.
Entry Requirements
• A grade 6 or a B in English and Science (Biology is the most relevant) will help you to flourish on this course, but as there is Maths throughout the course it is important that you are not afraid of a little bit ofnumerical data.
In addition ask yourself these questions:
• Can I accept that there may be more than one explanation of any behaviour?
• Do I like to critique the evidence, debate the arguments and draw reasoned conclusions?
• Can I understand and explain scientific concepts?
• Can I express my ideas clearly and succinctly using technical vocabulary?
• Am I happy to design studies, present and interpret data?
What is Involved?
You will study the two-year linear A Level course (AQA) with all examinations at the end of the two years.
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (2 hour exam, 33.3% of A Level) Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, and Psychopathology
Paper 2: Psychology in Context (2 hour exam, 33.3% of A Level) Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, and Research Methods
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (2 hour exam, 33.3% of A Level) Issues and Debates in Psychology, Gender, Schizophrenia, and Aggression
During the two year course, you will have the opportunity to visit Bristol Zoo to complete observational training and workshops. You will also attend a student revision conference with activities and exercises tohelp your understanding.