Psychology
Teachers
Mr L Wood - Head of Department
Ms C Thomas
Curriculum Map
KS4
Course outline
- Unit 1- Making sense of other people. Written paper (1 hour 30 mins), 80 marks- 50%.
- Unit 2- Understanding other people. Written paper (1 hour 30 mins), 80 marks- 50%.
GCSE pupils are assessed across three areas:
- AO1- Recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding of psychology and how psychology works.
- AO2- Apply skills, knowledge and understanding of psychology and how psychology works.
- AO3- Interpret, evaluate and analyse psychological data and practice.
What type of student succeeds at Psychology?
Studying Psychology requires pupils to think independently about concepts and theories that represent the complexity of people in the modern world. Therefore, students need to be motivated to understand and evaluate significant research that aims to explain the behaviours of people from all cultures in modern world.
Subject requirements at GCSE
A minimum of a Grade B at Science and English at key stage 3 is required in order to study Psychology at GCSE. The course requires an independent work ethic from the outset.
Complementary subjects
Psychology works well with a wide variety of subjects, but most specifically Science, History and Maths.
Homework
Students receive homework once a week. Psychology homework aims to develop pupil skills sets whilst completing in-depth investigation into key research and theoretical standpoints delivered by prestigious psychologists.
Future Directions
Which A Level courses can be taken having studied Psychology?
Psychology GCSE is favourable for any A Level which requires scientific and independent thought. In particular, Biology, Maths, Humanities and Sports Science courses.
Which university courses require Psychology A Level?
Psychology, Criminology, Applied Sport Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice, Policing Studies and Forensic Psychology, Psychology with Child Development, Psychology with Neuroscience.
Which careers could A Level Psychology lead to?
Psychotherapist, Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Psychologist, Social Worker, Counsellor, Educational Psychologist, Psychology Teacher.
KS5
A Level
Course outline
AS Psychology– Memory, Social Influence, Early Development (Attachment), Psychopathology
A Level Psychology– Relationships, Aggression, Forensic Psychology, Stress, Research Methods
What type of student succeeds at Psychology A Level?
Psychology is a challenging A Level, requiring a great deal of reading and constant practice at writing essays. It requires determination and resilience, as you will often have to perfect what is already “good” work. You need to have an interest in how our minds work and be willing to do some independent research. An interest in describing, explaining, and predicting human thought and behaviour are essential requirements of studying this A Level.
Subject requirements at GCSE
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at A*-C, including a Grade 6 in GCSE English, Science and either Geography, History or Psychology. In addition, all students must sit an entrance exam based on holiday homework. The course requires a strong understanding of Grade A and A* work right from the outset.
Complementary subjects
Psychology is well paired with Sociology, and any of the other sciences or social science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Sociology.
Homework
Students receive homework several times a week. Psychology is best learned through continuous reading and writing essays. By reflecting on the feedback from each of these essays, students will make the required progress. Text books are given out with plenty of exam style questions so students never run out of practice questions, and have plenty of opportunity to test themselves.
Future Directions
Which university courses require Psychology A Level?
University courses would rarely request Psychology A Level as a pre-requisite, however they often state that your A Levels must include a Science and/or a Social Science.
Which university courses look favourably on Psychology A Level?
Psychology A Level is favourable for most Social Science or Humanities degrees.
What are the entry requirements to study Psychology at university?
Psychology entry requirements are high due to the popularity of the course. Anywhere between BBC and A*A A.
Which careers could Psychology A Level lead to?
Educational Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Human Resources, Marketing, Journalism, Teaching, Research.