Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and human behaviour. Psychologists observe and conduct experiments to find out more about the way people act and interact. They try to understand what motivates, challenges or changes us and use this understanding to help us tackle personal and social problems.

Psychologists can work in social care, mental health, education, business, research and sports.

If you study psychology, you’ll be able to hone your analytical and organisational skills and learn about scientific research methods, including collecting and working with data. Learning about human behaviour can also help to build your communication skills and improve your teamwork and leadership skills.

Psychology is useful for any job that requires lots of interaction or an understanding of human behaviour and development. People with skills in psychology are sought after in business, management, teaching, research, social work and careers in medicine and healthcare.

GCSE Psychology

Exam Board: AQA

This engaging and effective qualification introduces students to the fundamentals of Psychology, developing critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills. This qualification is linear which means students will sit all the GCSE exams at the end of their GCSE course.

Content Overview

Memory; Perception; Development; Research Methods; Social influence; Language, Thought and Communication; Brain and Neuropsychology; Psychological Problems

Aims

• Use specialist vocabulary, psychological concepts, terminology and convention to engage in the process of psychological enquiry.
• Acquire knowledge and understanding of psychology, developing an understanding of self and others, and how psychological understanding can help to explain everyday social phenomena.
• Understand how psychological research is conducted, including the role of scientific method and data analysis.
• Present information, develop arguments and draw conclusions through a critical approach to psychological evidence, developing as reflective thinkers.
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between psychology and personal, moral, social and cultural issues, and develop an understanding of ethical issues in psychology.
• Develop an understanding of psychological issues, the contribution of psychology to individual, social and cultural diversity, and how psychology contributes to society.

GCSE Psychology Assessment Progress Map

GCSE Psychology Units of Work and Examinations

A-Level Psychology

Exam Board: AQA

This qualification is linear which means students will sit all the A-level exams at the end of their A-level course.           

Subject Content

Social Influence; Memory; Attachment; Psychopathology; Approaches in Psychology; Biopsychology; Research methods; Issues and Debates in Psychology; Gender; Schizophrenia; Forensic Psychology

Aims

-Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other

-Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods

-Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills

-Develop student’s interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.

-Understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the science contribute to the success of the economy and society.

A Level Psychology Units of Work and Examinations