Psychology (Sixth Form)

Statement of intent

The AQA Psychology course at A Level aims to provide students with the scientific ability to study human nature. At St Gregory’s, we challenge students to question the psychological motivations behind a range of behaviours, reviewing a range of approaches such as biological, cognitive and humanistic as potential explanations.

Students explore a range of topics such as Attachment, Biopsychology and Gender. They develop their ability to recall, evaluate and critique classic case studies and experiments as well as making comparisons with contemporary research. Students become scientists by conducting their own psychological experiments and they are encouraged to question what people do and why. Working within ethical and methodological constraints they then begin to understand the difficulties with such a philosophical science, having to ascertain what might be a possible answer rather than a definitive one. Students acquire the ability to become critical thinkers, independent learners and are passionate about understanding the subject at a deeper level. These skills can open up a range of future opportunities and allow students to see the real-life applications and benefits of psychology that could make the world a better place.

Throughout the course the students are introduced to a variety of possible career options that could arise from studying psychology. Students then realise that Psychology is integrated within many other subjects they are studying such as PE, Business, Biology & Ethics.

Purpose

In Year 12 and 13, students study 11 topics and are examined in three exam papers at the end of the two years. We have chosen AQA syllabus as it allows for a broad range of subjects and skills with options to select content based on teacher specials and student choice. The exam papers include questions that allow students to demonstrate their ability to draw together their skills, knowledge and understanding from across the full course of study and to provide extended responses. As the course progresses students are able to interleave knowledge from each area of the course which culminates in a broad understanding of both the depth and breadth of psychological theory and research.

This ranges from theoretical, scientific, mathematical, philosophical and practical skills, which students should be confident in using by the end of their journey. Students accumulate new psychological knowledge, including key terms, experiments and theories. The course allows students apply theory to real life scenarios and in doing so helps them to develop a greater under standing of themselves and the world around them. The course content links to other Sixth Form subjects such as PE, Business, Media, Criminology and Biology and this further adds to their understanding of the important role that psychology plays within the modern world. As a result this subject provides students with the opportunity to use these skills in either further education, apprenticeship or employment.PSYCHOLOGY A LEVEL Curriculum Overview