Course information
Psychology
Penistone Grammar School - Barnsley
01226762114
Huddersfield Road, Penistone, Sheffield, S36 7BX
Course summary

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior: it focuses on why we think, feel, act, and interact as we do both as individuals and as members of a social group. As an A-level psychology student, you will be allowed to study the core areas of Psychology, as well as have the option to specialize in topics such as mental illness and criminology. You will also experience what it is like to be a research psychologist; planning and carrying out practical investigations into areas such as memory. Students wishing to study A A-level psychology will need a good foundation in English and, as 10% of the course involves the application and analysis of mathematical data students are also required to have a good foundation in Mathematics. Psychology is a multi-disciplinary A Level and therefore complements a variety of other areas of study, from the natural sciences and maths to the arts and humanity-based subjects. Career opportunities include Medicine, Teaching, Counselling, Occupational Psychology, Sport & Exercise Psychology and Health Psychology.

Entry requirements

Have five or more GCSE passes at grade 5 or above (including a Grade 5 or above in English Language and a Grade 5 or above in Mathematics) Grade 5 in English Language GCSE. To study Psychology they also need a Grade 5 in Mathematics.

How you'll be assessed

Students will work towards being assessed in three advanced-level examinations: Paper 1 Social influence: this looks at how others can influence us to behave in the ways that we do. Memory: how do we remember? What happens when we forget? Attachment: how do relationships form? And what happens when they do not? Psychopathology: explanations as to what causes mental disorders, such as depression and phobias, and how these disorders can be treated. Paper 2 Approaches: how psychologists investigate and explain human behaviour. This unit evaluates whether our behaviour is due to our biology or our environment. Biopsychology: how the brain and neurotransmitters influence our behaviours, thoughts and feelings. Research methods: the methods psychologists employ to gather data on behaviour. Paper 3 Schizophrenia: the causes, explanations and treatments of schizophrenia. Forensics: why do people commit crimes? How do we try and catch offenders? How do we deal with offenders once caught? Gender: what do we mean by gender and sex? How does our gender develop? Why do some people have an atypical gender? Issues and Debates: where does psychology fit in a range of interesting issues and debates?

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionYorkshire and the Humber
Local AuthorityBarnsley
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressHuddersfield Road, Penistone, Sheffield, S36 7BX