Psychology | Year 12-13

Specification

Intent

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Our AQA A Level Psychology curriculum aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various psychological concepts, theories, and research methods. This curriculum is designed to inspire and challenge students, fostering critical thinking, independent research skills, and a deep appreciation for the scientific study of human behavior.

During the first year, pupils will be introduced to memory and forgetting, aspects of social influence, psychological disorders and child attachment. During the second year, the pupils will explore ways in which psychological theory and research are applied. Specific topics covered include eating behaviours, gender and forensic psychology. In addition to this, pupils will become familiar with common issues and debates within Psychology.

The AQA syllabus has been chosen because it has proven to be clear, engaging and easy-to-use, ensuring that pupils are helped as much as possible in their learning. This qualification introduces students to basic knowledge of all areas of psychology and it promotes the development of critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills. The AQA specification will be updated in 2025 to ensure that they include the latest advances in the subject.

Implementation

Lessons will include power point presentations by the teacher, relevant videos, activities, classroom debates and discussions, independent revision, self and peer assessment, homework, flipped learning, mock tests and more.

They will be structured in a way that aims at maximising classroom learning to better prepare the pupils for their A-Level exams and to lessen their final workload. Students will be required to keep their personalised portfolios organised and up to date in a way that will facilitate revision. Each lesson will provide the opportunity for students to link the information learnt to possible exam questions, so that by the end of the course they will be fully competent in performing at an A-level standard. Their work will be assessed, and pupils will be expected to respond to comments made by correcting and completing their tasks.

By implementing this approach, students will:

• Gain a thorough understanding of psychological concepts and theories.
• Develop critical thinking and research skills.
• Be able to apply psychological knowledge to real-world situations.
• Be well-prepared for the their final exams and further studies in psychology or related fields.

Impact

Students of psychology will obtain a better understanding of why people think, feel and behave the way they do. This will result in increased self-confidence, successful careers, optimum relationships, improved communication and overall better wellbeing. Therefore, this course equips students with valuable skills and knowledge that extend beyond the classroom. AQA A Level Psychology also provides a strong foundation for further studies in psychology and related disciplines, such as neuroscience, healthcare, business, social work, and education.

The importance of these skills is clear in all areas of the academic, professional and personal lives of our students. In Leaf Studio this is emphasised due to students’ dedication to their specialisms. Our students work extremely hard in challenging environments, in various teams of different backgrounds and are quite often exposed to high levels of stress. The development of social skills, and of techniques for stress management and emotion regulation in these circumstances is indispensable.

Students will also develop these core skills during the course:

1. Critical Thinking: Students develop the ability to critically analyse psychological theories and research, enhancing their overall analytical skills.
2. Research Skills: The course emphasizes research methods, enabling students to design, conduct, and evaluate psychological research. These skills are transferable to various academic and professional fields.
3. Understanding Human Behaviour: Students gain insights into human behaviour, which can improve their interpersonal skills and empathy. This understanding is beneficial in everyday interactions and future careers.
4. Ethical Awareness: The course highlights ethical considerations in psychological research and practice, fostering a sense of responsibility and integrity in students.

What will I learn on this course?

The A-level assessment is comprised of 3 papers. The assessments will use multiple choice, short answer and extended writing/essays to assess knowledge, understanding, and application and evaluation skills.

The first written paper is ‘Introductory Topics in Psychology’, and it focuses on topics related to social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology. (33.3% of final mark).

The second written paper is ‘Psychology in Context’, and it focuses on topics related to approaches in psychology, biopsychology and research methods. (33.3% of final mark).

The third written paper is on ‘Issues and Options in Psychology’ and it focuses on topics related to issues and debates in psychology, eating behaviours, gender, and forensic psychology. (33.3% of final mark).

Assessments, Interventions & Support

You will complete frequent assessments throughout the two years, usually at the end of each topic, or during mock exams. You will only complete external exams at the end of year 13. Your teacher will be there to support and will put measures in place to aid your learning and ensure that you are making the right amount of progress.

Independent Study

You will be expected to take control of your own learning and read outside of lesson time. Psychology uses a lot of “flipped learning” and “pre-reading”, especially for the topic of research methods. To succeed in this A-Level, you must have a broad knowledge of psychological research and theory. In addition to this reading, you will be expected to:

• Complete practice papers and questions
• Revise each unit as the two-year course progresses
• Complete all homework set
• Seek teachers out to clarify any misunderstandings or to help you solve problems

Summer tasks to help prepare for the course

• Complete the induction booklet provided to you by Miss Brown.

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (33.3%)

• - The first written paper is ‘Introductory Topics in Psychology’, and it focuses on topics related to social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology. (33.3% of final mark).
• Memory – Models of memory, theories of forgetting, eyewitness testimony, the cognitive interview.
• Social influence – conformity, obedience, resistance to social influence, minority influence.
• Attachment – types of attachment, explanations for attachment, maternal deprivation, internal working model.
• Psychopathology – definitions of abnormality, OCD, depression, phobias.

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

• The second written paper is ‘Psychology in Context’, and it focuses on topics related to approaches in psychology, biopsychology and research methods. (33.3% of final mark).
• Research methods is double weighted in this exam.
• Approaches – Cognitive approach, behaviourism, humanistic approach, psychodynamic approach, biological approach.
• Biopsychology – Nervous system, “fight or flight”, localisation vs lateralisation of the brain, plasticity and functional recovery.
• Research methods – experimental design, types of method, statistics, reliability, validity, and much more!

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

• - The third written paper is on ‘Issues and Options in Psychology’, and it focuses on topics related to issues and debates in psychology, eating behaviours, gender, and forensic psychology. (33.3% of final mark).
• - Eating behaviours – explanations for food control and choice, anorexia nervosa, obesity.
• - Gender – explanations for gender development, gender identities, gender incongruence.
• - Forensic Psychology - offender profiling, dealing with crime, explanations for crime.