Psychology
Contact : Miss J Barham Email : barhamj @ pocklingtonschool . com
Course : A Level Psychology Exam Board : AQA
Psychology is the scientific study of human mind and behaviour . It is classed as a science A level and so up to 33 % of the exams are on research methods and mathematics .
Have you ever wondered what makes you behave as you do ? Why there are differences between people ? What causes them ? Why some people suffer from mental health problems ? How can they be helped ? If so , Psychology is for you .
The subject develops skills of analysis and debate both orally and written .
CONTENT OF COURSE
We follow AQA specification which includes Social Influence , Memory , Attachment and Psychopathology in Paper 1 . Paper 2 includes Approaches , Biopsychology and Research Methods .
Paper 3 includes Issues and debates , Relationships , Stress and Forensic Psychology .
COURSE ENTRY AND QUALIFICATIONS
Academic qualifications for the course are the same as the school Sixth Form requirement .
Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics would normally be expected .
Because this is a new area there is a very steep learning curve so high motivation is vital .
PSYCHOLOGY AS A QUALIFICATION FOR FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER OPTIONS
Psychology is also useful in any job that involves dealing with people . If you are considering a job in an area such as medicine , law , counselling , social work , human resources or teaching , for example , then Psychology could be for you .
Psychology specific careers are Clinical Psychologist , Educational Psychologist , Occupational Psychologist and Forensic Psychologist . These require a BPS approved degree in Psychology followed by Post Graduate qualifications .
COURSE OUTLINE
A level ( examining all components of the 2 year course )
PAPER CONTENT MARKS AVAILABLE
Paper 1 : 2 hours Introductory Topics in Psychology 96 Paper 2 : 2 hours Psychology in Context 96 Paper 3 : 2 hours Issues and Options in Psychology 96
All papers include multiple choice , short answer and extended writing
“ You know too much psychology ... when you can ’ t get mad because you understand everyone ’ s reasons for doing everything .”
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