Subject Lead for Psychology: Ms Nicola Ash
Nicola.Ash@wyeschool.org.uk
Psychology by Ms Nicola Ash
Did you know there is a theory which states that we put more effort in when we know others are watching us? This phenomenon is known as social facilitation. For example, if you are running a race in front of a crowd you are more likely to try and run faster because you know others are watching. This theory is believed to be universal, meaning it can be applied to all humans. Interestingly, this theory even applies to cockroaches, when they know they are being watched they perform better! This is one of the countless things I learnt whilst studying Psychology at university. Psychology is a fascinating subject and can be applied to everything. This is because the subject scientifically investigates the way we think, feel and act. Once I began studying Psychology, I was intrigued by all the approaches, theories, and explanations of human behaviour. I was inspired by my lecturers to pursue teaching Psychology and it is a privilege to teach the subject that I am so passionate about. A quote that I think nicely summarises the intentions of the subject is "Don't become a mere recorder of facts but try to penetrate the mystery of their origin." - Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936).
Why Study Psychology?
Psychology, the study of human experience, is an exciting and popular option for any student interested in why people behave the way they do. This course has been designed to help students see the implications of psychology for everyday life and to reflect on their own behaviour and experiences. Any student thinking about working with people or entering the “caring professions” will find that embarking on A Level Psychology is both an interesting and appropriate start to their journey.
Course Description
During Year 12 the course first looks at social influence, attachment, memory, psychopathology, the approaches of Psychology, and research methods. Year 13 focuses on a choice of three options: gender, schizophrenia, forensics, aggression, stress, relationships, cognition and development, eating behaviour, and addiction.
As in any A Level subject, students are expected to take responsibility for their learning and become increasingly independent. Psychological terminology is important, and students will have many new terms to learn which they will become confident with over time. Students will have opportunities to carry out their own research, using experimental, correlational, self-report and observational designs as well as participate in some if they wish. Assessment is exam based, three papers with no coursework, although students will be asked to refer to their own research in the exam.
Beyond A Level
Studying Psychology is very stimulating, and many students go on to study this subject at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Psychology is a popular subject on its own but can also be combined with criminology, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy, to name but a few options. Psychologists are currently working in such diverse fields as education, human resources, the NHS, the prison service, the police force, marketing, counselling, advertising, and social work. The British Psychological Society website has plenty of information about careers related to Psychology.
Entry Requirements
Psychology is classified as a science, so students should have obtained at least a grade 6-5 in GCSE Combined Sciences. Owing to the mathematical content of the course, a good understanding of Mathematics is also important: we recommend Grade 6 or above at GCSE. For the statistics component, 25% of the marks are awarded for mathematical ability, so we strongly recommend students also enrol into our Core Maths course, to complement this course. Students should be able to express themselves fluently in writing and be willing to engage in both critical and creative thinking. It is a requirement, therefore, that students have achieved at least a grade 6 in English Language and/or Literature.
Technical Details
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification Type: A Level
Course Title: Psychology
Specification Code: 7182
External Exams (end of Year 13): 3 exams, 2h each, 33.3% each
Link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182/specification-at-a-glance