KS5 Psychology

CONTACT

Head of Social Science Faculty Mrs J Edge jedge@lymmhigh.org.uk

Overview

This two year A level course provides an introduction to a range of areas of psychological interest. Students will learn how to conduct psychological research, using a variety of research methods.  The course also offers an insight into many current issues, giving you the chance to explore the contributions of Psychology to the real world, in fields such as Criminology. Students have the opportunity to learn how to analyse arguments and evidence, test hypotheses and make informed judgements – all skills valued by Higher Education institutions and employers.

Topics covered over the two years

  • Social influence
  • Memory
  • Attachment
  • Psychopathology
  • Approaches in Psychology
  • Biopsychology
  • Research methods
  • Issues and debates in Psychology
  • Gender
  • Schizophrenia
  • Forensic Psychology

Homework: Homework will take the form of exam questions, note taking and research tasks.  Such tasks are designed to enhance and consolidate the learning from lessons and to prepare students for University.

Assessment:

3 exams taken at the end of the two years.

Paper 1

  • Topics covered: Social influence; Memory; Attachment; Psychopathology
  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 96 marks in total
  • 33.3% of A-level
  • Questions:

            Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

            Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

            Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

            Section D: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

Paper 2

  • Topics covered: Approaches in Psychology; Bio Psychology; Research methods
  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 96 marks in total
  • 33.3% of A-level
  • Questions:

            Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

            Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

            Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

            Section D: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

Paper 3

  • Topics covered: Issues and debates in Psychology; Gender; Schizophrenia; Forensic Psychology
  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 96 marks in total
  • 33.3% of A-level
  • Questions:

            Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

            Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

            Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

            Section D: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, 24 marks

Other Useful Information

The AQA website is very useful for students as they access past papers and mark schemes.

www.aqa.org.uk

The BBC website is also useful for examples of psychology in the real world.  This is often used in lessons.

www.bbc.co.uk

Support is always on offer for students, either during lunch times or after school.  Revision sessions are put on nearer the examination time.

5 ways I can help my child

1 Encourage them to go through their workbooks and notes and use the Cornell system (See https://shp.utmb.edu/asa/forms/cornell%20note%20taking%20system.pdf).

2

 Encourage them to be independent learners who read around their subject, looking at websites and blogs such as https://www.tutor2u.net/psychology/blog/what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-play-fortnite

3

 Research methods feature heavily in A level psychology so encourage them to carry out practical research – examples of these are at the end of each chapter in their Year 1 and Year 2 Psychology text book.
4 Embed challenge – encourage them to read/ listen to the news and find articles linked to topics they are studying. Ask them to explain these articles with reference to Psychological perspectives and think about the issues and debates covered in psychology such as social sensitivity e.g. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53742121

5

 Tutor2u and Psychboost provide an excellent range of videos that cover the AQA Psychology A level specification. Encourage them to watch ones relating to the topic that they are studying e.g. https://www.tutor2u.net/psychology/reference/psychopathology-introduction-online-lesson  and https://www.psychboost.com/videos-and-resources