Psychology

Course summary

For this A-level course, you will study social influence, including why people conform and obey. You will look at different models that explain how memory works, including explanations of why we forget and how memory research has improved the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. Attachment formation concerns how infants form a bond with their main carer. In psychopathology, you will find out about explanations and therapies for three disorders – depression, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. You will also study biopsychology, including nerve impulse transmission, brain structure, and techniques for finding out about brain function. You will develop awareness of the major debates in psychology, for example, whether behaviour is due to nature or to nurture, and to what extent we have control over our behaviour. You will study evolutionary and psychological explanations of romantic relationships, biological and psychological explanations of schizophrenia, and how psychology can be used to help us understand crime and offending. Research methods are a large and important aspect of the course, and though there is no coursework component, you will be expected to conduct and evaluate studies. Lesson activities vary but will comprise some taught information involving listening, note-taking and participation in questioning; a wide variety of individual and group activities designed to encourage independent learning, and replication of key studies. Activities are chosen to help students develop verbal and written communication skills, numeracy and ICT, which also develop important key skills such as working with others, action planning and improving their own learning and performance. Students are given every opportunity and assistance to develop a confident and balanced approach to study at the Sixth Form level, with a focus on increasing independence and more sophisticated study skills through the Upper Sixth year in particular in preparation for higher or further education. A-level Psychology also focuses students’ minds so that when they ask the question, “Why do people behave like that?” they can take an objective, evidence-based approach in trying to explain why. This promotes insight, understanding and tolerance of self and others.