Like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, Psychology is a scientific discipline but, unlike the natural sciences, Psychologists are interested in understanding why people behave the way they do. It is one of the “social sciences” at Springwood.

The A Level course will enable you to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of some of the core issues and debates in Psychology, through a range of interesting topics such as Social Influence, Attachment, Psychopathology, Forensic Psychology, Gender and Memory.

Psychology will encourage you to develop a deep, empathetic understanding of human behavior, and a critical awareness of how and why we become the people we are. It is a diverse subject, and many students choose to specialize in a particular branch of Psychology after their A Level studies.

Entry Requirement

A minimum of grade 4 in Maths and English Lang plus at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 5

Subject Specific Requirements

Grade 5 in English, Maths and Science. An additional grade 5 in an essay based subject.

Assessment

Psychology will use a mixture of formal learning methods (e.g. note taking and essay writing) and less formal methods such as debating.  Students will be expected to regularly write at length and present research findings to both teachers and students. We actively encourage  Psychology students to watch the news and social/psychological documentaries to both consolidate and extend their learning, and on occasion such tasks may be set for homework.

Students will be encouraged to undertake additional reading tasks to enhance their knowledge and to improve their analysis and evaluation skills. Students will apply what they learn in the classroom to real life events to help them appreciate the real life value of studying Psychology and to ensure they get high marks for application and analysis in their assessments.

In June of Year 13, students will sit 3 x 2 hour formal, externally assessed exams. Each paper is comprised of 4 x 24 mark sections (48 marks for Research Methods in Paper 2) made up of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and extended writing (16 mark essays).

Paper One: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology
Total = 96 marks (33% of A Level)

Paper Two: Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology and Research Methods
Total = 96 marks (33% of A Level)

Paper Three: Issues and Debates in Psychology, Gender, Schizophrenia and Forensic
Total = 96 marks (33% of A Level)

Future Careers
Teaching, Social work, Probation, Clinical Psychologist, Criminal Psychologist, Police Force, Psychological Research, Forensic Psychology and the NHS.

Psychology provides students with transferable skills that universities and employers favour, such as critical awareness and understanding, evaluation, communication skills and advanced writing skills.