Qualification: A-level

Exam Board: AQA

Entry Requirements: Grade 5 or above in either GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature and a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths.

Watch our video about psychology a-level

A fascinating exploration of our brains and behaviour

Psychology is a well established subject at Silverdale and forms part of the social sciences department, alongside sociology. Our expert staff are very experienced and passionate about their subject and are members of the network group for psychology teachers in South Yorkshire, helping us to provide first-class teaching for all of our students. This is demonstrated by our strong track record of achievement.

The course

The AQA A-level psychology course offers a comprehensive exploration of human behaviour and mental processes through a variety of engaging topics and rigorous assessment objectives.

Topics covered:

Social Influence
Attachment 
Memory
Psychopathology
Approaches in psychology
Biopsychology
Research methods
Issues and debates in psychology
Gender
Schizophrenia
Aggression

Students will delve into key areas such as research methods, where they will learn about designing, conducting, analysing, and evaluating psychological research. The approaches section covers foundational theories, including cognitive, biological, and psychodynamic perspectives.  In attachment, students will examine the bonds formed between infants and caregivers and their impact on later development. Social influence explores how individuals are affected by others, including conformity, obedience, and group behaviour. The psychopathology unit addresses mental health disorders, their causes, and treatments.  Additional topics include gender, where students investigate the development and impact of gender roles, and aggression, focusing on the biological and social causes of aggressive behaviour. The issues and debates section encourages critical thinking about ethical, cultural, and scientific considerations in psychology.  This course equips students with a strong foundation in psychology, preparing them for further study and a range of careers in psychology and related fields.

Equipment required

Students should all bring a large ring binder folder with file dividers to their first lesson. We provide all students with an online login to access a psychology textbook,  however if students would like their own textbook we recommend AQA Psychology for A level year 1 & AS student book – 2nd edition.

Beyond the classroom

We have a planned trip in Year 12 to Chester Zoo to support topics such as attachment and phobias as well as the use of animal studies in research. We have a Psychology Review e-library subscription giving students access to academic articles beyond the curriculum. We also host external speakers on careers and higher education courses.

Examinations

• Paper 1: Introductory topics in psychology. Written exam: 2 hours, 96 marks in total 33.3% of A-level.
• Paper 2: Psychology in context. Written exam: 2 hours, 96 marks in total 33.3% of A-level.
• Paper 3: Issues and options in Psychology. Written exam: 2 hours, 96 marks in total 33.3% of A-level.

Progression

Psychology is a suitable course for a wide range of careers which involve working with people, as well as for progression on to higher education courses in social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. Possible career options include forensic psychology, health psychology, research, neuropsychology, educational psychology, occupational psychology, counselling, criminology and as a pathway into teaching and social work.