Student Guide for AS and A2 Examinations
Psychology is the study of behaviour, it examines the reasons why people think and behave the way they do. It looks at the factors that influence such behaviour, for example the role of other people, the role of the environment and the impact of culture.
Aims
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To provide girls with an introduction to a new subject which they may not have encountered before.
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To help them to develop skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation.
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To prepare Years 12 and 13 students for the AS and A2 examinations.
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To give them a greater awareness of their own and other people’s behaviour and to acquire some understanding of the complex ways in which human behaviour develops.
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To provide the girls with concepts and theories that will allow them to study behaviour and gain insight into the ways in which individuals influence and in turn are influenced by their society.
Advantages of the Course
Psychology is a subject that complements many other subjects. These subjects can be from among the Social Sciences and Humanities, or the Natural Sciences. For girls thinking about a career in the medical field, Psychology is a very acceptable subject along with Biology and Chemistry. For those interested in any career working with people, whether in personnel management, advertising or the caring professions, Psychology is very useful.
Psychology is also a very popular university subject in its own right and an A Level in this subject would be very beneficial prior to a degree.
Course Content
Psychology is made up of 6 units; 3 are studied for the AS and 3 for the A2. For the A2 although similar topic areas are chosen, the content is very different and students are introduced to a wide range of issues.
Units available for AS are:
1. Cognitive & Developmental Psychology
2. Physiological, Psychology and Individual Differences
3. Social & Research Methods
Units available for A2 are:
4. Social, Developmental & Physiological Psychology
5. Individual Differences and Perspectives
6. Coursework