AS
The boys will be following the AQA Psychology A course for the AS level qualification.
At AS level there are two units to be studied. Unit 1 is normally taken in January and Unit 2 is taken in June. There is no coursework element in the AS Psychology course, although the boys will have to write weekly essays and carry out and write up simple psychological studies. These, alongside notes, textbooks and internet resources will provide the boys with the ability to analyse and evaluate various psychological concepts.
Unit 1: Cognitive and Developmental Psychology and Research methods
Unit 1 allows the boys to develop knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories and studies in relation to the areas of Psychology being studied. They will study models of memory, how we remember things in everyday life, attachment, failure to form attachments and various aspects of research methods. The Unit 1 paper is worth 50% of the total AS marks and consists of short answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark question requiring extended writing. The exam lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Unit 2: Biological and Social Psychology and Individual Differences
Unit 2 allows the boys to develop knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories and studies in relation to the areas of Psychology being studied. The boys will study stress and stress management, social influence, conformity and defining and treating abnormality. The Unit 2 paper is worth 50% of the total AS marks and consists of short answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark question requiring extended writing. The exam lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
A2
The boys will be following the AQA Psychology A course for the A2 level qualification.
At A2 level there are two units to be studied. Unit 3 is normally taken in January and Unit 4 is taken in June. There is no coursework element in the A2 Psychology course, although the boys will have to investigate areas of Psychology in far more detail and develop critical thinking skills to apply to research, policy and practices in Psychology in everyday life.
Unit 3: Topics in Psychology
Unit 3 allows the boys to develop knowledge and understanding and skills of analysis and evaluation in relation to three topics selected from sleep, perception, relationships, aggression, eating behaviour, gender, intelligence and learning and cognition and development. As a class, we will decide which three topics will be studied, based on interest and relevance to the boys. The Unit 3 paper is worth 25% of the total A Level marks and consists of 3 essay-style questions chosen from the eight topics. Quality of written communication will be assessed in each essay. The exam lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Unit 4: Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods
Unit 4 is divided into three sections. In section A (psychopathology), we will choose one disorder to study in detail from schizophrenia, depression or anxiety. Section B (psychology in action), allows the boys to study one contemporary application of psychology from media psychology, addictive behaviour and anomalous behaviour. Section 3 (research methods) develops the knowledge and understanding on research and the scientific method developed at AS. The Unit 4 paper is worth 25% of the total A Level marks and consists of 3 sections. There will be 2 essay questions, chosen from 6 and one compulsory question on research methods. The exam lasts 2 hours.
What can A2 Psychology do for me?
A2 Psychology requires commitment and dedication, but the option for the boys to choose the topics they want to study allows them to develop deep interests and understanding in specific areas of the subject. By the end of the course, they will have gained useful analytic and evaluative skills that will set them in good stead for a university or employment career.