A-Level Psychology

A-Level Psychology

SUBJECT LEADER

Mrs H Gibb

EXAM BOARD

Edexcel

SPECIFICATION LINK

A-Level Psychology

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Grade 6 in GCSE Science and Grade 5 in GCSE English and Maths.

Why choose A-Level Psychology?

Are you interested in why people behave the way they do?
Do you want to know the answers to questions such as how do I think? Or why are some people good leaders?
If so then you will probably enjoy Psychology. However in order to be successful in psychology you really need to enjoy reading, because there are so many fascinating studies to learn about. Psychology is a relatively new science and so you really need to be the sort of person who can accept that there are no straight forward answers. Psychology is a practical research based science and so you will need to be prepared to conduct research and analyse your findings. The practical skills and understanding of methodology that A level psychology nurtures are really useful in a wide range of career options.

What you will study in A-Level Psychology?

Psychology is the study of human behaviour.
During the first year course you will study:
 Critical issues around, Social influences on behaviour such as groups and leaders. Cognitive psychology such as how the memory works. You also examine the methodology used in psychological research. Key psychological theories such as the Behaviourist/Learning approach will be examined along with Biological theory.
During the second year course you will study:
 Criminal and Clinical psychology. Issues and key debates within psychology.
Your knowledge and understanding of research design will be developed further along with extensive work on data analysis so that you can fully assess your findings.

How you will be assessed in A-Level Psychology?

Paper 1
Foundations of psychology 2 hour exam 90 marks Worth 35%:
Social psychology
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Learning approach


Paper 2 Applications of psychology 2 hour exam 90 marks Worth 35%:
Clinical psychology
Criminal psychology


Paper 3
Psychological skills 2 hour exam 80 marks Worth 30%:
Review of methodology/studies
Review of issues and debates

Additional Information

Psychology is a fascinating subject because human beings are amazing but please be aware, psychology is a multidiscipline subject you will need to answer essay questions, short answer questions, scientific knowledge based questions as well as complete data calculations and analysis. You will be expected to apply your knowledge and assess issues from a number of viewpoints. It is a challenging life science.

02/11/2023 – The Blandford School is open.

29 March, 2024

SCHOOL CLOSURE INFORMATION

Updated 17/02/2022

Dear Parent/Carer

On the advice of Dorset Council, due to storm Eunice all schools in Dorset have been advised to close due to the Red Weather Warning in place for Dorset from the Met Office.  Therefore, The Blandford School will be closed in line with this advice on Friday, 18 February and no school transport will be running throughout Dorset.  School will reopen on Monday, 28 February 2022.

 

For Friday, 18 February work will be set for students by teachers on TEAMS.

 

We hope you all have an enjoyable half term and look forward to seeing students again on Monday, 28 February 2022.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Duncan Smith

Deputy Headteacher

29 March, 2024

 

 

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