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Psychology

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

Board: AQA (7182)

Psychology is the study of the brain and behaviour. It covers fascinating questions such as why men are more aggressive than women, how romantic relationships form, the unreliable nature of our memory, and why we obey street signs. This course will help students to think critically about scientific ideas, while also learning about how the way humans behave is influenced by their genes and their surroundings.

Assessment

Module 1 Written Exam 2 Hrs 33% - Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology

Module 2 Written Exam 2 Hrs 33% - Approaches, Biopsychology, Research Methods

Module 3 Written Exam 2 Hrs 33% - Issues and Debates, Relationships, Schizophrenia, Aggression

NB: There is no course work - assessment is entirely by examination.

Course content

There are 3 modules which will be taught across the two years of the course.

Module 1 – Introductory Topics in Psychology

  • Memory - including Eye Witness Testimony
  • Attachment – how do bonds form between infants and their parents?
  • Social Influence – including Conformity and Obedience
  • Psychopathology – The study of abnormality

Module 2 – Psychology in Context

  • Approaches in Psychology – how do Psychologists explain behaviour?
  • Biopsychology – how does the brain affect behaviour?
  • Research Methods – how are studies conducted in Psychology?

Module 3 – Issues and Options in Psychology

  • Issues and Debates in Psychology
  • Relationships – including attraction and romantic love
  • Schizophrenia – what causes Schizophrenia and how do we treat it?
  • Aggression – explanations of human aggression, including media influences such as computer games

Entry requirements 

Since Psychology is a new course in the Sixth Form you will usually have no previous experience in school. We do however require you to achieve grade 6-6 or above in Combined Science or grade 6 or above in Triple Science, grade 6 or above in English at GCSE and grade 4 or above in Mathematics at GCSE. All students must have an APS of 4.5 or above. It will also help if you:
  • Are interested in what makes human beings tick
  • Have a lively and enquiring mind
  • Have a good grasp of mathematics and good writing skills
  • Are capable of contributing to discussion and working independently
  • Enjoy a challenge
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