Psychology

The department consistently posts outstanding results:

2024 A Level Results:  A*-B = 71%

2023 A Level Results:  A*-B = 67%

In Psychology, students will study the AQA specification. The A level examination comprises of three papers of two hours each covering all topics from the two year course. The papers comprise of a variety of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Two papers will consist of compulsory questions but the third will be optional questions.  A brief summary of the specification content is given below.

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (Social Psychology, Memory, Psychopathology and Attachment)

Paper 2: Psychology in context (Biopsychology, Approaches to Psychology and Research Methods)

Paper 3: Topics in Psychology (Schizophrenia, Relationships, Forensic Psychology and Issues and Debates)

At A level, students are assessed regularly through homework and take end of unit tests at the end of each half term. In Years 12 and 13 students sit internal ‘mocks’. Public examinations are at the end of Year 13.

Alongside lessons, we organise several activities to enhance and complement understanding of the specification content:

The True-Life Conference, where reformed time served criminals come into school to discuss their experiences of the Criminal Justice system

Brain Day with Dr Guy Sutton, an international neuroscience expert and director and founder of Medical Biology Interactive, comes into school to show the true impact of the brain on behaviour and the students get the opportunity to dissection the brain of a sheep.  

During the final term of Year 12, students design their own research projects in any area of Psychology that interests them. This mini dissertation gives the students an insight into what university life will be like as they get the chance to test real participants and consider the implications of their findings.

Psychology is an academically demanding subject. It is an A-level that can be used as a steppingstone towards a psychologically related career, such as a psychiatrist or counselor who’s focus is to diagnose and treat those with mental health disorders; forensic psychologists or analysts typically work alongside the police to help profile and prevent crimes; educational psychologists are found within a school setting and try to help those with special educational needs access the curriculum; sports psychologists work alongside athletes to improve their performance; and there are many more. However, even if you do not wish to peruse a career in a Psychology related field, the skills that students develop over the course fit nicely with range of other degree subjects. Many of our students have gone on to study Law, Medicine, Mathematics, Dentistry, History, Architecture, Computer Science, Neuroscience, Fine Art, Sports Science, Biology and English Literature to name but a few.