THE ECCLESBOURNE SCHOOL

Exam Board: AQA

Contact: Ms J. Fraser

Course Overview

Psychology is a challenging, interesting and very rewarding subject. The course aims to give you the fundamental understanding of core theory and concepts upon which pychology is based, develop a critical appreciation for the scientific nature of psychology and allow you to critically evaluate and implement research methods and tools which form the basis of psychology as a scientific study of behaviour and thought. If you are interested in understanding why humans behave as they do, then this is the subject for you!

The first year of the course consists of three introductory topics: Social Influence, Memory and Attachment, along with three introductory psychology in context topics: Approaches including biopsychology, psychopathology and research methods. The course begins by exploring the main approaches to explaining behaviour to teach the students the theories that underpin the subject as a whole. This is followed by ‘Research Methods’ to allow students to gain an understanding of how psychologists investigate behaviour. Once the fundamental approaches and research techniques are understood, this then allows for the remaining topics to be taught at a faster pace since students have acquired the basic skills, underpinning theories and essay planning technique which is essential as they move through the course. The second year covers further research methods to extend those learnt in Year 12 (to include the Scientific Process, Analysis of Qualitative Data and the use of Inferential Tests) and the remaining approaches and biopsychology. There is a compulsory section on Issues and Debates and three optional topics, including Gender, Stress and Addiction. Of the three options Stress is taught first since this allows students to develop skills such as methodological evaluation which they can then apply to the other options.

General Entry Requirements

5 GCSES 4-9 or A*-C to include Maths and English Lang or Lit Grade 5 + GCSE Science 2*5s (6s desirable)

Where can Psychology take me?

A Level Psychology can take you on to a degree in the subject, or countless others, including criminology, sociology, neuroscience or law. As psychology is the study of human behaviour, it is useful in any career that works with people. Careers might involve health and educational services, academia and marketing.

Assessment

Contact: Mr M. Ford

If you have any questions or queries relating to the Science curriculum please email headofscience@ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk for more information.