AS/A Psychology
Teacher in charge of Subject
Mrs L Matcham
lmatcham@commonweal.co.uk
Overview
Psychology is primarily interested in individuals. It is the scientific study of human behaviour and thought processes. This fascinating subject is about making sense of the world in which we live and the way people behave in it. People in society are constantly looking for answers to personal problems and psychology can be seen to offer a solution. The content of this OCR course is varied and intriguing with a focus on developing an understanding of the principal psychological theories. These include cognitive, developmental, physiological, individual differences and social psychology.
The course has a scientific approach to investigation that encourages you to develop a critical and analytical approach to your studies. It is an academic subject that will provide you which a number of intellectual skills, which are transferable to other subjects. Lesson activities include re-creating psychological experiments in the classroom. We also offer the opportunity to attend an A-Level student conference in London where the key speaker each year is one of the leading psychologists studied during the course.
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Course Title
AS/A Psychology
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Exam Board and Specification No.
OCR Psychology H567
What do I need to have studied/have knowledge of?
In order to study Psychology it is recommended you should have good pass GCSE qualifications in Five GCSE subjects including English, Mathematics and Science (Grade 6 or above in these subjects are recommended).
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and the mind, therefore there is a strong focus on learning scientific methods of research. Prior knowledge of psychology is not required.
What will I learn on this course?
Topics covered include issues such as; memory, obedience, conformity, attention, the transmission of aggression, moral development, regions of the brain, understanding disorders and social identity. Studying psychology will enhance your ability to construct and present an argument of a particular debate and evaluate the key findings of the studies placing them in the wider perspective of psychological approaches, theories and issues.
You will also study a compulsory section on issues in mental health such as the historical view of mental illness, characteristics and treatments of disorders as well as various explanations for mental illness. In addition you will study Child Psychology and Criminal Psychology in great deal.
What key skills will I develop?
OCR A Level qualification in Psychology enables learners to:
- develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods •develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
- develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
- understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
How will I be assessed?
Research methods (Component 01) – 30% of total A Level
Planning, conducting, analysing and reporting psychological research across a range of experimental and non-experimental methodologies and techniques.
Psychological themes through core studies (Component 02) – 35% of Total A Level
Introduces some of the central areas of investigation in psychology organised in key themes. Each key theme is represented by a classic and a contemporary core study.
Applied psychology (Component 03) – 35 % of total A Level
Compulsory section on Issues in mental health.
Learners will also study two out of the following applied options:
Child psychology, Criminal psychology, Environmental psychology, Sports and exercise psychology.
What could this course lead to?
Psychology provides excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers in teaching and lecturing, educational welfare, business management and specific areas of medicine e.g. psychiatry. It also offers opportunities to train as a chartered psychologist and specialise in clinical or criminal Psychology.
The acquisition of such a diverse range of skills will be of great benefit to you in further education, the workplace and society in general.
Additional events, trips or enrichment activities
Possible trips and visits include:
- Conferences
- Law Courts
Are there any additional costs for this course?
You will want to have your own copy of the course text book (approx. £25.00).
You will also have the opportunity to take part in trips and visits, these are optional, but we believe they will enrich your enjoyment understanding of Psychology. Costs may vary but would normally be around £30.00 (funding can be found in cases of hardship).
Who do I contact if I have any further questions?
Mrs L Matcham – lmatcham@commonweal.co.uk
