A Level

AQA Specification A

Subject Leader: Miss N Airs

A Vision for Psychology

Students at Richard Challoner should study Psychology because Psychology is the study of human behaviour, how the brain and the body work together and how mental processes occur. Students will gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others and the world around them; and of how policies and laws have been impacted by psychological research — in particular, socially sensitive research. Psychology students become critical thinkers, who can form evidence-based opinions, and a deeper compassion and empathy for human behaviour, physical, mental and emotional health.

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. The mind is the most complex machine on Earth; it is the source of all our thoughts and behaviours. If you are passionate about understanding how people think and why they behave in a certain way, then Psychology is the subject for you!

The A-Level course covers a variety of topics and disciplines of psychology. In one examination paper you will cover social influence (e.g. why did the Germanic people obey the Nazis and why do people conform?), memory (e.g. how do we create and store memories and are these reliable?), attachment (e.g. how do we form attachments and what impact do these attachments have on our later development?) and psychopathology (e.g. how do we define abnormality and treat those who suffer from mental illnesses?).

For your second examination paper you will cover approaches in psychology (e.g. how do the different disciplines in psychology explain why humans behave the way they do?), biopsychology (e.g. what the structure and functions are of the brain) and scientific processes (e.g. how can we create ethically reliable and valid experiments?).

Your third examination paper will cover issues and debates (e.g. is human behaviour the product of genetic inheritance or the environment?), relationships (e.g. how do romantic relationships develop and breakdown?) Schizophrenia (Are people born with a predisposition to schizophrenia?) and Forensic psychology (why do people commit crime?).

Examinations: Three written examinations of two hours each.

Specific Entry Requirements: GCSE Level 5 or above in Biology or Level 5 or above in Double Science.