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Psychology (KS5)

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A Level Psychology at St Wilfrid’s (AQA 7182)

Subject Intent

Psychology helps students understand how people think, feel and behave. From memory and mental health to relationships and conformity, the course gives insight into the human mind and behaviour. Through scientific enquiry and critical thinking, students develop strong analytical, writing and research skills—perfect for many academic and career pathways.

Course Overview

The course covers three main areas:

Year 1 Topics (AS-level content):

  • Social Influence – obedience, conformity, resistance to social pressure.

  • Memory – models of memory, forgetting, eyewitness testimony.

  • Attachment – early relationships and their impact on development.

  • Psychopathology – definitions of abnormality, phobias, depression, OCD.

  • Approaches in Psychology – behavioural, cognitive, biological, psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives.

  • Research Methods – designing studies, analysing data, ethical considerations.

Year 2 Topics:

  • Biopsychology – nervous system, localisation of function, biological rhythms.

  • Issues and Debates – gender/cultural bias, determinism vs free will, nature vs nurture.

  • Optional Topics (typically three from):

    • Schizophrenia

    • Gender

    • Forensic Psychology
      (The school selects three optional units based on interest and expertise.)

Assessment Overview

Paper 1 – Introductory topics (social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology) – 2 hours – 96 marks – 33.3%
Paper 2 – Psychology in context (approaches, biopsychology, research methods) – 2 hours – 96 marks – 33.3%
Paper 3 – Issues and options in psychology (issues & debates + 3 optional topics) – 2 hours – 96 marks – 33.3%
All papers include multiple-choice, short answer, and extended writing questions.

Homework & Independent Study

  • Regular exam practice questions with peer/self-assessment.

  • Flashcards and retrieval tasks for key terms and case studies.

  • Practice designing and critiquing psychological research.

  • Wider reading on contemporary issues and classic studies.

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Experimental design challenges and practical mini-labs.

  • Revision clinics and essay-writing masterclasses.

Where Can Psychology Take You?

Psychology supports a wide range of university degrees and careers, such as:

  • Psychology, Criminology, Education, Social Work, Counselling, Law, Nursing, Marketing, Neuroscience, and more.
    It builds critical thinking, scientific literacy, communication, and empathy—skills needed in every sector.

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