Year 13 Psychology Curriculum Plan
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour. It is concerned with the thoughts, feelings and motivations that underlie the way we act. The A2 course builds on AS knowledge and includes investigations into:-
- The nature of friendships, intimate relationships, love and marriage.
Social Psychology Network - The role of attachments, infant interactions, child development and the development of friendships. Social Psychology Network
- The clinical characteristics and explanations of anxiety disorders and eating disorders. PsychNet-UK
Other Useful Sites:
There is also an opportunity to design and carry out two psychological investigations on topics of your own choice in the first and second year. This will be the equivalent of two modules.
Skills gained
- Literacy - the ability to present ideas and explain them clearly and logically in essay and report form.
- Numeracy - the ability to understand and analyse a range of statistical data and use statistical tests.
- Research - you will learn to design and carry out you own scientific experiments.
- IT - the use of IT is encouraged in research projects.
- Balancing arguments - you will learn to assess and evaluate alternative explanations.
Links with other subjects
Psychology fits very well with a wide range of subjects especially Sociology, Sport Studies, Biology, Art and English Language.
Post A Level
The subject provides an excellent background for a degree in Psychology as well as a wide range of other courses in the social sciences, humanities and health related areas. It is also looked on favourably for medical school entry, if combined with Chemistry and Biology. In many cases Psychology is counted as a science A level for university entry purposes.
Key text books
- Gross, R (2006) Psychology the science of mind and behaviour. Hodder and Arnold.
- Pennington, D (2005) Introducing Psychology - Approaches, Topics and Methods. Hodder and Arnold.
- Taylor, I (2004) Active Psychology. Longman.
