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A High Performing Specialist Academy for Technology & Applied Learning

Courses Offered

The Team: Mr J Charman, Mrs C Charman
GCSE Psychology
Exam board: OCR

Main features of GCSE qualification (taken over two years):

This new specification course (for first examination in 2019, OCR code J203) has six topics spread over the two-year course and two final GCSE exams that are each 90 minutes.

Year 1: Criminal psychology, development and psychological problems
Year 2: Social influence, memory and sleep and dreaming.

Students will be assessed on research methods in each paper. There is no controlled assessment in this specification. 

A Level Psychology

Exam Board: AQA

The Course

The A Level Psychology qualification gives students an introduction to the basic paradigms and methodology within the discipline.  Students will learn about the cognitive processes involved in memory, the aetiology of different common psychological disorders such as depression and OCD, scientific approach to psychology, social influence including conformity and obedience, as well as basic developmental theories.  Additionally, the course covers in depth analysis of different debates and approaches in psychology (nature versus nurture, cultural differences, gender bias, etc.) and contains three optional topics chosen based on their suitability and popularity with the cohort.  The course also allows students to develop skills in understanding the process and function of research in the academic domain.

Main features of A Level qualification (taken over two years)

Unit 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

Weighting: Written exam 2 hrs 33.3 % of total A Level

Section A: Social Influence  (24 marks)
Section B: Memory (24 marks)
Section C: Attachment (24 marks)
Section D: Psychopathology (24 marks)

The questions will be a selection of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

Unit 2: Psychology in Context

Weighting: Written exam 2 hrs 33.3 % of total A Level

Section A: Approaches in Psychology (24 marks)
Section B: Biopsychology (24 marks)
Section C: Research Methods (48 marks)

Unit 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

Weighting: Written exam 2 hrs 33.3% of total A Level

Section A: Compulsory: issues and debates in psychology (24 marks)
Section B: Optional: Gender (24 marks)
Section C: Optional: Schizophrenia (24 marks)
Section D: Optional: Forensic Psychology (24 marks)

All three units are examined at the end of the second year in May/June.


Degree or careers in neuroscience psychology, educational psychology, criminology, social work, human resources or counselling amongst others.

What Other Subjects Go Well With Psychology?

The Psychology syllabus covers a wide range of themes and issues, so it combines well with almost any other subject and can bring useful new perspectives.

Past students have studied psychology alongside biology, sociology, business studies, English literature, geography, history, art, law, economics and media studies.

Curriculum Information