AQA specification for A Level Psychology
Psychology is the scientific investigation of human behaviour and should appeal to those who are fascinated by discovering why people behave as they do. It is a strongly vocational subject with a wide variety of career options available: educational, occupational, forensic and clinical Psychology (child or adult specialism), as well as counselling, and laboratory and field-based research of various kinds. A Psychology qualification may also be used to access a range of other employment fields such as management in business and industry, police, teaching, journalism and media, social work, and human resources. Psychology is a very popular degree course, and the A Level offers an excellent foundation to a wide range of topics and contemporary issues. Its study encourages the exploration of the analytical mind and the development of basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers are looking for.
Psychology has been classified as a science, reflecting its strong research element, as well as the sophisticated statistical analysis developed in pupils throughout the A Level course. We aim to inspire pupils' long term love of learning through various innovative teaching and learning methods, including role-play and detailed individual examination of the latest university-based research to inform group presentations. Our curriculum encourages and facilitates further studies or potential careers in the subject. All students will develop high level independent primary and secondary research skills to act as a springboard for further training in whatever curriculum area they choose to pursue. Students will be encouraged to achieve the very highest aspirations both for attainment in Psychological and for their future career aspirations. ‘Philosophy Friday’ encourages a greater appreciation and awareness of Psychology related contemporary issues in the world around them.
Paper 1
Introductory Topics in Psychology: Memory Social Influence, Attachment and Psychopathology
2 hour written exam
96 marks
33.3% of A level
Pupils are assessed on four introductory topics, with a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Each topic is worth 24 marks (96 marks in total).
The introductory topics offer a range of fascinating explanations for everyday behaviours including conformity and obedience, eyewitness testimony, maternal deprivation and explanations for phobias and depression. The four topics to be assessed include an appreciation of issues and debates relevant to each topic studied. Topics include: issues of bias, including Gender and culture; the role of animals in research; ethical issues; the nature/nurture debate; free will and determinism; and reductionism.
Paper 2
Psychology in Context: Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods,
Pupils are assessed on three areas, with a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Each topic is worth 24 marks (96 marks in total). Double weighting is given to research methods in this paper.
This paper includes the study of biological rhythms, such as those involved in sleeping, and draws on the important crossover between neuroscience and Psychology. They will look at the origins of psychology and the various schools of thought to explain behaviour. The strong element of research methods includes opportunities for practical work, which enables pupils to carry out their own investigations.
Paper 3
Issues and Options in Psychology: Issues and debates, Relationships, Schizophrenia, Aggression
Topics such as why we choose certain relationships, symptoms and treatment of schizophrenia and explanations of aggression are studied, as well as competing Psychological explanations. The course enables pupils to engage in contemporary issues and debates in Psychology, such as the NHS funding policy for mental health.
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