Psychology (AQA)

Have you ever wondered why people behave the way they do? What makes you uniquely you? How the brain works? Why you can remember all sorts of trivial facts but not the reason you came into the room? 

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, the brain and behaviour. It explores why we behave the way we do, helps us to understand the human mind and gives us insight into the motives behind our actions. Studying Psychology will help you to better understand the people around you and equip you with skills to apply in everyday life. 

A level Psychology offers the opportunity to study psychological theories, research, terminology, concepts, studies and methods. Students will develop skills of analysis, application, interpretation and evaluation, and learn to design psychological investigations, analyse and interpret data, and develop an understanding of the underlying issues and debates within Psychology, including the ethical and economic implications of psychological research. 

You will develop the ability to reason and debate, to write focused and coherent discussions of the most recent research, to think critically about every headline you read in the media and never to take anything you read at face value. You will develop empathy and understanding, and the ability to consider a number of differing perspectives at the same time. 

Topics studied 

Paper 1 

Introductory Topics in Psychology (2 hour written examination) 

• Social influence
• Memory
• Attachment 
• Psychopathology

Paper 2 

Psychology in Context (2 hour written examination) 

• Approaches in psychology
• Biopsychology 
• Research methods

Paper 3 

Issues and Options in Psychology (2 hour written examination) 

• Issues and debates in psychology
• Cognition and development
• Schizophrenia 
• Addiction 

The curriculum and sequence of learning have been curated to ensure you develop the ability to think like a psychologist from the outset. The teaching of research methods, approaches, and issues and debates allows you to use this knowledge effectively in the application, analysis and evaluation of psychological research.

Academic enrichment 

Psych Soc meets weekly and is open to all Sixth Form students. There are a variety of enrichment opportunities offered, including lectures from expert speakers, visits to and from local university departments, and a book club, a consideration of how psychology helps us make sense of current affairs and the world around us. Students are encouraged to take part in competitions such as The British Psychology Olympiad, cross-curricular in-school house activities and competitions such as the Philosophy essay competition, and to attend appropriate lectures and events online and in person.