Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Overview
Psychology
Introduction
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Through the A-level in psychology, students study a variety of human behaviours including: obedience, how memory can be influenced, regions of the human brain and how our morals develop. Through the second year of the A-level, students focus on mental health, child psychology and criminal psychology in order to develop a deeper understanding of specific areas within the subject. Underpinning all of the psychology A-level is a focus on research methods and developing an understanding of how psychologists plan, conduct and analyse research.
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
OCR
Course leader
Miss A Dawson
Assessment
- Examination: 100%, comprising:
- Unit 1 – research methods (30%)
- Unit 2 – psychological themes through core studies (35%)
- Unit 3 – applied psychology (35%)
- Non-examined assessment: n/a
Curriculum
Curriculum Roadmap
Topics
Paper One - research methods
Students focus on how research is conducted in psychology and have the opportunity to carry out their own research.
Paper Two - core studies
Students learn about twenty core studies from psychology and what they tell us about human behaviour. Particular areas of focus include: obedience, memory and regions of the brain.
Paper Three - options in psychology
In this final unit there is the opportunity for more indepth study focusing on mental health, child psychology and criminal psychology.
Skills and requirements
Skills learned
- Critical thinking
- Reflection
- Evaluation of research
- Knowledge, understanding and application of research methods
- Analysis of sources and data
- Communication
- Literacy
- Numeracy
Subject entry requirements
- At least grade 5 in maths and science.
Sixth Form entry requirements
- 4 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 or more grade 7s or above including English and maths (grade 5 or above).
- 3 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 grade 5s or above including English and maths.
- Level 3 vocational courses: for students who have achieved 5 grade 4s or above including English and maths.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
Psychology is an extremely useful A-level to have for a wide range of careers and destinations. In particular psychology may be useful if you intend to work or study in any of the following areas: medicine, neuroscience, psychiatry, marketing, sports coaching, child development, nursing, the police force.
