Psychology

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology students at Charters School will be inquisitive and motivated to learn more about the key issues and debates within the study of human behaviour. They will develop a greater sense of ethical issues surrounding the study of human behaviour and in turn develop a greater sense of tolerance and understanding. They will explore how understanding Psychology has real world applications and how it is crucial to our everyday life. They will learn to challenge and question the power of social influence, conformity and enhance their understanding of mental health related illnesses making them feel more confident, autonomous and equipped for their future lives.

This means:

• They will have a strong understanding of the key issues and debates within Psychology, such as nature/nurture.
• They will explore and examine the impact and influence of Psychology in understanding human behaviour.
• They will be able to identify, critically analyse and evaluate different Psychological approaches within Psychology and understand the benefits of Interactionism.
• They will be able to confidently articulate how Psychological research has influenced our everyday practice both in their academic writing as well as through Socratic dialogue.
• They will examine and critically evaluate the array on investigation techniques when carrying out the Psychological research.
• They will develop a critical and enquiring mind, which appreciates the youth of Psychology as an academic discipline but also the potential it carries.

SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM

A Level Psychology is a very popular choice with sixth form students and follows the AQA syllabus. The A Level requires that, over the two years, students study Topics in Psychology, Psychology in context and Issues and options in Psychology. Students learn about the different and contrasting approaches in which Psychology can be explored. The course places strong emphasis in developing students’ ability to learn in-depth the theoretical, practical, ethical and analytical understanding of how Psychology can be studied and investigated. Students will address the key issues and debates within Psychology while enhancing their knowledge, application, mathematical, analytical and evaluative skills. The course not only compliments a wide variety of other A Levels choices offered at Charters it also provides a solid foundation for anyone seeking to study Psychology at university or enter the labour market. Psychology encourages curiosity, provides a platform to discuss diversity, equality and progression while also offering transferable skills such as self-confidence and awareness, effective verbal and written communication, evaluation, team work and mathematical analysis.

COURSE DETAILS

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology: Social Influence, Attachments, Memory, Psychopathology

Paper 2: Psychology in Context: Approaches, Biopsychology, Research Methods

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology: Issues and Debates, Relationships*, Schizophrenia*, Forensic Psychology*

* These optional topics are subject to change 

KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here

EXAM BOARD: AQA

BE INSPIRED

Take a look around the links below to find our where this exciting subject could lead.