Ever wondered if prison really does change criminal behaviour? Or why some people conform? Or perhaps if the experiences you had before the age of five really do shape the person you are today? A-level psychology will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in certain ways. You will learn a variety of skills including analytical thinking, improved communication, problem-solving and many more that will prepare you for an exciting future with the possibility of a range of fantastic careers. Over the course of the A-level, you will explore a range of subject areas including social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology, relationships, schizophrenia and forensic pathology. A good GCSE grade in English, Maths and Science is recommended for A-level Psychology. Good mathematical skills will be advantageous as a minimum 10% of the assessment will test candidates’ mathematical skills, as these are used to analyse psychological research. English skills are used and developed in the evaluation of psychological theories and research. In addition, a science background is beneficial in providing a foundation for understanding the biological basis of human behaviour.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each (33.3% of the A-level). The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. • Paper 1: Introductory topics in psychology • Paper 2: Psychology in context • Paper 3: Issues and options in psychology
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £9,090 - £20,640; Boarding £27,090 - £40,290 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | West Buckland, Barnstaple, EX32 0SX |
Ever wondered if prison really does change criminal behaviour? Or why some people conform? Or perhaps if the experiences you had before the age of five really do shape the person you are today? A-level psychology will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in certain ways. You will learn a variety of skills including analytical thinking, improved communication, problem-solving and many more that will prepare you for an exciting future with the possibility of a range of fantastic careers. Over the course of the A-level, you will explore a range of subject areas including social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology, relationships, schizophrenia and forensic pathology. A good GCSE grade in English, Maths and Science is recommended for A-level Psychology. Good mathematical skills will be advantageous as a minimum 10% of the assessment will test candidates’ mathematical skills, as these are used to analyse psychological research. English skills are used and developed in the evaluation of psychological theories and research. In addition, a science background is beneficial in providing a foundation for understanding the biological basis of human behaviour.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each (33.3% of the A-level). The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. • Paper 1: Introductory topics in psychology • Paper 2: Psychology in context • Paper 3: Issues and options in psychology