Psychology A Level at Sir John Lawes School
Course description
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 unreliability 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.
Course content
At Sir John Lawes School, you will study Psychology for two years, and will be examined at the end of Year 13. 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 is 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 clearly have no previous experience in school. We do however require you to achieve at least Grade B in Additional or Triple Science (excluding Applied) and Grade 6 English at GCSE, and at least Grade 4 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
Assessment
ASSESSMENT (at the end of Year 13)
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
How to apply
If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Sir John Lawes School directly.
