Psychology (KS5 Only)

Psychology is an empirical science that aims to understand the mind and behaviour in humans and non-human animals. It spans studies ranging from the observations of basic neural mechanisms to analyses of complex human relationships.

The antecedents of modern-day Psychology can be found in Physics, Biology and Philosophy, but its methods of enquiry have developed not only from these disciplines but also from other natural, social and mathematical sciences. Psychology attempts to analyse and explain behaviour in a systematic, reproducible way.

The A Level programme aims to provide students with a rich, inspiring and broad experience that develops their curiosity and develops their love of learning. Students will develop a scientific understanding of the mind, brain, behaviour and experience, and how they interact with the complex environments in which they exist.   Students will gain knowledge and the acquisition of a range of research skills and methods for investigating experience and behaviour, culminating in an ability to conduct research independently.  Students will develop an understanding of the role of empirical evidence in the creation and constraint of theory. All students are provided with a rigorous academic foundation for future progression to university.  Opportunities are provided so that students can develop personalised links to the curriculum content, particularly in the area of developing future career pathways.

A Level Psychology at Sandringham

At A Level, we follow the AQA specification and all students sit formal examinations in their second year.

The content includes:

Compulsory content

• Social influence
• Memory
• Attachment
• Psychopathology
• Approaches in Psychology
• Biopsychology
• Research methods
• Issues and debates in Psychology

Students will study one option from each of the options below:

Option 1. 

• Relationships
• Gender
• Cognition and development

Option 2

• Schizophrenia
• Eating behaviour
• Stress

Option 3

• Aggression
• Forensic Psychology
• Addiction

AQA describes its own specification in the following manner: “Psychology is a popular subject which is attractive to students because it develops a range of valuable skills, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. These skills are particularly relevant to young people and are transferable to further study and the workplace.

Our qualifications offer students an engaging and stimulating introduction to the study of psychology, combined with the academic integrity and skills that Higher Education and employers value.

We are confident that our specifications will continue to ensure that the psychologists of the future will have a fascinating and coherent introduction to the subject”.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum Map

PSYCHOLOGY Curriculum Map – KS5

Super Curriculum

To access the Super Curriculum for this subject please visit the Super Curriculum page HERE

Useful Links

https://www.aqa.org.uk/

This is a link to the AQA examining website.

https://www.bps.org.uk/

This is a link to the British Psychological Society website.  Careers advice is available here.

https://www.tutor2u.net/

This site provides useful learning resources for A Level students.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qxx9

This is the BBC podcast series called ‘All in the Mind’.  This is a useful site to explore before you begin a course.  You might explore its content to ensure that you are interested in this subject.