Examining Board - AQA Specification A

Psychology is one of the most popular Advanced Level courses. That is largely because Psychology is about you and me, it’s about what makes us tick! The science of mind and behaviour is often how Psychology is defined and essentially that is what it attempts to do, study why we do what we do in as scientific a way as is possible.

• Introduction to Psychology (Powerpoint Show)
• Introduction to Psychology (PDF Document)

Psychology is taught in six modules:

AS core areas

• Module 1: Cognitive Psychology and Developmental Psychology
• Module 2: Physiological Psychology and Individual Differences
• Module 3: Social Psychology and Research Methods

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

AS Scheme of Assessment
Module 1 (16% of total A level mark) 62 marks
Type of Assessment: Written Unit
Length of exam 1 hour

Module 2 (16% of total A level mark) 62 marks
Type of Assessment: Written Unit
Length of exam: 1 hour

Module 3 (16% of total A level mark) 62 marks
Type of Assessment Written Unit
Length of exam 1 hour

Modules 1, 2 and 3 will be assessed at the end of Year 12.

A2
Module 4: Developmental and Social Psychology
Module 5: Individual Differences/Ethics/Approaches
Module 6: Research Investigation (coursework)

Module 4: (15% of total A level mark) 76 marks
Type of Assessment Written Unit
Length of exam: 1 ½ hours

Module 5: (20% of total A level mark) 94 marks
Type of Assessment Written Unit
Length of exam: 2 hours

Module 6: 20% Coursework.

Modules 4, 5 and 6 will assessed at the end of Year 13.

METHODS OF STUDY

• Teacher-led note taking
• Discussion and debate - small and whole group
• Class presentation
• Visiting speakers
• Video material
• Annotation of handouts
• Brainstorming/quick-fire question/answer sessions
• Topic, review at the beginning of every lesson
• Student led activities
• Whole class psychological 'experiments'
• Assessment and marking exercise
• Key studies revision

What work will I have to do independently?

• Complete weekly key studies sheet
• Wider research (texts, published research, internet, television public awareness)
• Carry out a psychological investigation-research design and collection of data, statistical analysis of data and interpretation of findings
• Watch television - there is a wealth of valuable psychological related documentaries
• Complete exam style questions
• Peer assessment

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

There are no specific requirements other than standard College entry requirements.