The course develops analytical and critical thinking skills and encourages an appreciation of “how psychology works”. You learn to question and discuss psychology issues that may affect your own life, the direction of society and the future of the world. Students cover a range of topics, such as: Criminal Psychology, Development, Psychological Problems, Social Influence, Memory, Dreaming and Research Methods.
For each of these topics, we cover eight areas. These include: Key Concepts, Theory 1, Criticisms of Theory 1, Study 1, Theory 2, Criticisms of Theory 2, Study 2, Applications.
Skills required for GCSE psychology include: Excellent literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, inquisitive and analytical, organised, active and independent learners.
During the course, students will learn how to plan, analyse and report psychological research across a range of experimental and non-experimental techniques. Students will be introduced to some of the central areas of investigation in psychology by exploring key themes such as “responses to people in authority”. Each key theme is represented by a classic and contemporary core study.
In addition to this, students will learn in detail about issues in mental health and will study environmental and child psychology optional modules.
Students will take three exams at the end of their A Level. These include: Research Methods, Psychological Themes through Core Studies and Applied Psychology.
