A Level Psychology

What is it?

The scientific study of the human mind, its functions and subsequent behaviour. We cover a range of topics including memory, attachment, social behaviour, and psychopathology.

Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?

Currently our students are participating in contemporary psychological research with Liverpool John Moores University. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to conduct independent research into their own areas of interest. The Psychology department is dedicated to providing students with hands-on experience of selected key areas studied on the course. For example, students gain a valuable perspective on forensic psychology by witnessing real cases unfold in the law courts. They can also visit primates at Blackpool Zoo to investigate the similarities between humans and animals in terms of learned and innate behaviours.

What skills will I develop?

• Essay writing
• Developing an argument with justification
• Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Team work
• Presentation skills
• Evaluating sources

How will I be taught?

• Diverse range of teaching methods including:
• Collaborative learning
• Independent learning
• Flipped learning
• Presentations
• Online learning via Google Classroom
• Peer teaching

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed via 100% examination comprising of three two-hour examinations at the end of the second year.

Teacher expertise

There is a wealth of knowledge in the psychology department. Staff are experienced teachers all of whom have years of AQA examining experience.

Field trips, projects and employability opportunities

• Psychology Live! Educational Psychology Conference in Paris
• Elizabeth Loftus ‘Memory Matters’ Educational Psychology Conference in London
• Student participation in psychological research in conjunction with Liverpool John Moores University
• Range of guest speakers from high tariff universities to explore career opportunities within the field of psychology, e.g. a clinical psychologist from Lancaster university recently gave a presentation
• Visits to a range of universities within the North West to gain an insight into studying psychology at degree level

Where does it lead?

Psychology can help to prepare you for a wide range of higher education courses and careers. For example, psychology is useful for all types of teaching, nursing and social work. It can also lead to a career as a research scientist, or as a practitioner in fields such as clinical, forensic, educational, occupational, health and counselling psychology. A number of our former students have progressed in a range of diverse areas; for example one student conducted published research and won the Ig Nobel Prize for her work, entitled ‘Creatures of the Night: Chronotypes and the Dark Triad Traits’ into the field of psychopathology. Another alumni student has been recently selected to complete a graduate teaching assistant post in the Department of Psychology at Edge Hill University, her research is entitled ‘Increasing adherence to chronic disease rehabilitation’. She will be working to develop a pilot treatment programme for cardiac rehabilitation and COPD patients, underpinned by psychological theory, with the aim of increasing treatment adherence and encouraging patients to maintain healthier lifestyles in the long-term.

Equipment

The department is part of the ‘technology for learning’ scheme, therefore an electronic device (e.g. Chromebook) is compulsory to study this subject.

Examination board

AQA