Course information
Psychology
Hartismere School - Suffolk
01379870315
Castleton Way, Eye, IP23 7BL
Course summary

The course will enable you to: ● Develop your interest in human behaviour ● Develop as an independent thinker ● Develop a clear philosophy of scientific principles ● Develop your skills in analytical thinking, communication and research ● Understand the importance of psychology in the everyday world and the motivation behind some human behaviours. ● Understand the context of differing behaviours when considering culture, gender and ethics.

Entry requirements

To study this subject, it is usual to have achieved at least a grade 5 in English literature or language and mathematics at GCSE. It is also preferred that you have at least one grade 6 science GCSE.

How you'll be assessed

The AS qualification is comprised of 2 components: Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology ● Memory, including memory models, explanations for forgetting and eyewitness testimony ● Attachment, including early social development, caregiver-infant interactions and explanations of attachment ● Social Influence, including majority influence, types of conformity and obedience Assessment: 1hr 30 minute written paper covering all 3 of the above topics and containing multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions. This exam accounts for 50% of the total AS marks. Paper 2: Psychology in Context ● Approaches in Psychology, including the emergence of Psychology as a science, learning, cognitive and biological approaches. ● Research Methods, including how to design, conduct and analyse research ● Psychopathology, including definitions of abnormality, causes and treatments for phobias, depression and OCD. Assessment: 1hr 30 minute written paper covering all 3 of the above topics and containing multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions. This exam accounts for 50% of the total AS marks. The A Level comprises 3 units: Unit 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology ● Memory, including memory models, explanations for forgetting and eyewitness testimony ● Attachment, including early social development, caregiver-infant interactions and explanations of attachment ● Social Influence, including majority influence, types of conformity and obedience ● Psychopathology, including definitions of abnormality, causes and treatments for phobias, depression and OCD. Assessment: 2hr written paper covering all 4 of the above topics and containing multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions. This exam accounts for 33.3% of the total A-level marks. Unit 2: Psychology in Context ● Biopsychology, including divisions of the nervous system, the function of the endocrine system, brain localisation and biological rhythms. ● Approaches in Psychology, including the emergence of Psychology as a science, learning, cognitive and biological approaches. ● Research Methods, including how to design, conduct and analyse research Assessment: 2hr written paper covering all 3 of the above topics and containing multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions. This exam accounts for 33.3% of the total A-level marks. Unit 3: Issues and Options in Psychology ● Issues and Debates in Psychology, including reductionism, the nature-nurture debate and ethical implications of research. ● 3 options from 12, which could include schizophrenia, addiction and cognition & development. Options will be chosen by your teacher. Assessment: 2hr written paper covering all 4 of the above topics and containing multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. This exam accounts for 33.3% of the total A-level marks.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast of England
Local AuthoritySuffolk
Ofsted RatingOutstanding
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressCastleton Way, Eye, IP23 7BL