Psychology AS and A Level

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

We will use the message function to contact you about your application, so please keep an eye on this.

Psychology is a very popular subject. It is lively and interesting and covers a wide range of issues of concern to students and to the wider community. Psychology is of use to people in their every day lives, for example in understanding issues to do with mental health and is highly relevant to the world of work. Some Psychologists work in specialist fields such as clinical psychology or forensic psychology and others use their psychology knowledge more generally in fields such as retail, marketing or personnel work. Prospective students should be aware that the subject is a technically challenging one and is a generally viewed as a science.

Qualities Required

You will need to be able to work independently and be willing to enter into class discussions. You will need to develop the ability to present ideas, supported by evidence, in structured, effective essays and you will need good time management skills. It is also important that you have a good understanding of the scientific process and an appreciation that psychology is a science A Level.

At AS Level students will study:

• Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

This covers four of the major areas of psychology, namely social influence (which covers topics such as obedience and conformity), memory, attachment (which covers the relationship between a child, its mother and other caregivers, as well as the consequences of being separated from caregivers early in childhood) and psychopathology (which covers the application of psychological theory to the explanation and treatment of mental health problems – OCD, phobias and depression).

• Paper 2: Psychology in Context

This covers the major approaches in psychology (for example the work of the behaviourists, cognitive neuroscience and Freudian psychology, etc). It also covers the importance of bio-psychological ideas to explaining human behaviour. The research methods commonly used in psychology is also a focus of this paper, although students should note that the theme of research runs through all areas of the course.

At A Level students will study:

• Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

This covers issues and debates in psychology, such as the nature v nurture debate and the gender / cultural biases present in psychological research and theory. It also covers three options, one from each of three categories; from 2022 we will be covering gender, schizophrenia and forensic psychology (although this is dependent on staff expertise, so is subject to change).

Extra-Curricular Activities

We run a very well attended social science discussion group, where students can lead discussions about contemporary social science research though books, podcasts and documentaries. We also seek opportunities for students to visit universities, take part in psychology experiments and attend lectures and talks by researchers, authors and other professionals.

Links with other subjects

Psychology is compatible with most other A levels. It works well with both science and arts subjects.

Most frequent combinations include Sociology, Biology, Geography, Film Studies and Sport. There are no prohibited combinations.

At AS Level, both examination papers are 1hr 30mins in duration and use a range of question styles, including multiple choice, short answer questions and extended writing.

At A Level, all three examination papers are 2 hours in duration and use a range of question styles, including multiple choice, short answer questions and extended writing.

5 English Language, 5 in Maths and a 5 in a science.

Tapton School's minimum entry requirements for all students: Grade 5 in English Language; Grade 4 in Mathematics and three other GCSEs at grade 4 and above.

A Psychology qualification is preparation for many careers; due to the fact that it involves both literacy and numeracy skills as well as enabling students to develop the skill of scientific enquiry.

Some students work as professional psychologists in the clinical, criminal, educational or occupational fields. Many others use their skills and knowledge in a variety of careers, such as physiotherapy, education, advertising, social work or personnel work.