AS/A2 Psychology Course Title
Teacher in charge of subject
AS/A Psychology
Mrs J Plummer
Exam Board and Specification No.
OCR Psychology H567
Why is subject important, valuable and engaging? Psychology is primarily interested in individuals. It is the scientific study of human behaviour and thought processes. This fascinating subject is about making sense of the world in which we live and the way people behave in it. People in society are constantly looking for answers to personal problems and psychology can be seen to offer a solution. The content of this OCR course is varied and intriguing with a focus on developing an understanding of the principal psychological theories. These include cognitive, developmental, physiological, individual differences and social psychology. The course has a scientific approach to investigation that encourages you to develop a critical and analytical approach to your studies. It is an academic subject that will provide you which a number of intellectual skills, which are transferable to other subjects. Lesson activities include re-creating psychological experiments in the classroom. We also offer the opportunity to attend an A-Level student conference in London where the key speaker each year is one of the leading psychologists studied during the course. What do I need to have studied, or have knowledge of, before I begin this course? In order to study Psychology it is recommended you should have good pass GCSE qualifications in Five GCSE subjects including English, Mathematics and Science (B grades or above in these subjects are recommended). Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and the mind, therefore there is a strong focus on learning scientific methods of research. Prior knowledge of psychology is not required. What will I learn on this course? Topics covered include issues such as; memory, obedience, conformity, attention, the transmission of aggression, moral development, regions of the brain, understanding disorders and social identity. Studying psychology will enhance your ability to construct and present an argument of a particular debate and evaluate the key findings of the studies placing them in the wider perspective of psychological approaches, theories and issues. You will also study a compulsory section on issues in mental health such as; stress, dysfunctional behaviour and psychotic disorders. In addition there is the option of studying two out of the following applied options: Child Psychology, Criminal psychology, Environmental psychology, Sports and exercise psychology. What key skills will I develop? OCR A Level qualification in Psychology enables learners to: •develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other •develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods •develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills •develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject •understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
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