The Psychology Department at The Campion School works to inspire and enthuse all students to understand all aspects of human behaviour, regardless of ability. It actively encourages all students to develop their curiosity and promotes the development of analytical minds which question ‘why’ and ‘how’ within in a scientific framework.
We offer our students a unique opportunity to study this fascinating subject, yet recognise that students are able to build on their existing knowledge of human physiology and core scientific principles alongside their understanding of the wider social and historical climate in which behaviours exist. As such, the Psychology curriculum also contributes to students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural education, all of which facilitates captivating discussions in lessons!
The Psychology Department at The Campion School follows the AQA Psychology course which offers a broad and balanced A Level and incorporates not only the key Psychological theories and scientific concepts fully, but also offers students the opportunity to study some of the more interesting aspects of human behaviour such as psychopathology, obedience and aggression.
| Exam Board | Entry Requirements | Subject Leader |
|---|---|---|
| AQA | Trilogy Science GCSE minimum 6-5 / or Biology GCSE minimum grade 6, English Language GCSE (minimum 5) and Mathematics GCSE (minimum 5). The ability to communicate and think critically is also important. | Miss J Harrison |
This course aims to introduce and develop the study of Psychology by examining the complexities of human behaviour through the use of an analytic and scientific approach including practical research and the development of theories. Topics covered in Year 12 include Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Approaches in psychology, Psychopathology and Research Methods. Topics covered in Year 13 include Biopsychology and Issues and Debates in Psychology, and additionally the optional topics of Gender, Schizophrenia and Aggression.
You will be required to sit three A Level examinations in Year 13 that will thoroughly test your knowledge, understanding, application and mathematical skills of the material covered in the specification. At least 10% of the overall assessment will contain mathematical skills and 25-30% will assess skills, knowledge and understanding in relation to research methods.
This paper lasts for 2 hours (96 marks) and it will be divided into 4 sections (sections A-D all of which comprise of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions amounting to 24 marks each).
The topics areas being assessed are as follows:
In all sections you will be required to answer all questions on the paper for each topic area (as above). The questions will mostly be structured short(ish) questions and carry marks between 2-8 marks. However, there will be one or more longer (extended) questions which will carry between 10-16 marks. This paper will total equate to 33.3% of the overall A Level marks (11-14% AO1 marks, 6-9% AO2 marks, 12-14 AO3 marks).
This paper lasts for 2 hours (96 marks) and it will be divided into 3 sections (sections A-C all of which comprise of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions). Section A & B consist of 24 marks and section C consists of 48 marks.
The topics areas being assessed are as follows:
In all sections you will be required to answer all questions on the paper for each topic area (as above). The questions will mostly be structured short(ish) questions and carry marks between 2-8 marks. However, there will be one or more longer (extended) questions which will carry between 10-16 marks.
This paper will total equate to 33.3% of the overall A Level marks (7-10% AO1 marks, 16-19% AO2 marks, 7-9 AO3 marks).
This paper lasts for 2 hours (96 marks) and it will be divided into 4 sections (sections A-D all of which comprise of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions amounting to 24 marks each).
The topics areas being assessed are as follows:
In all sections you will be required to answer all questions on the paper for each topic area selected (as above), however those marked with an * are options we have chosen. The questions will mostly be structured short(ish) questions and carry marks between 2-8 marks. However, there will be one or more longer (extended) questions which will carry between 10-16 marks.
This paper will total equate to 33.3% of the overall A Level marks (9-12% AO1 marks, 5-8% AO2 marks, 15-17 AO3 marks).
N.B 1. Knowledge and understanding of research methods, practical research skills and mathematical skills will be assessed in paper 3.
N.B 2. In answering questions on Issues and debates, students will be expected to illustrate their answers with knowledge and understanding of topics across the A Level as appropriate.
Psychology can be useful for many different careers as it is the study of human behaviour. However, it can be used directly in one of the many areas of applied psychology such as clinical, forensic or occupational psychology. Alternatively, it can be used indirectly to assist in the accomplishment of many different careers such as; education, health care / medicine, police service, prison / probation service, marketing, human resources, retail, recruitment consultancy and management of all forms.