KEY STAGE 5 PSYCHOLOGY

 At Bridge Academy we study AQA Psychology in a two year linear course. Psychology is the study of the most complex and sophisticated object in the known universe, the human brain. The subject will develop the student’s understanding of themselves and those around them.

It will help them to answer questions such as ‘How do I learn?’ ‘What kind of a human would we be if we were locked away from the rest of the world for ten years?’ ‘Why would a bank robber not be correctly identified if they were carrying a weapon?’ ‘Why do we develop phobias, and how do we treat them?’

Studying psychology will help to you gain:

• Knowledge that you can apply to everyday situations for the rest of your life
• Greater understanding of why humans behave the way they do (you will not be able to read minds!)
• Analytical, evaluative and communication skills
• Independent learning skills
• The ability to understand many explanations of the same thing and come to your own conclusions
• Organisational skills and problem solving skills

Course breakdown:

Paper 1 (Includes 4 topics):

• Social Influence (understanding obedience and conformity)
• Memory (how memory works and explanations of forgetting)
• Attachment (the different types of relationships we form from infancy)
• Psychopathology (explanations and treatments for OCD, phobias and depression)

Paper 2 (Includes 3 topics):

• Approaches (the six different branches in psychology)
• Biopsychology (the relationship between our physiology and behaviour)
• Research Methods – worth 50% of this paper (investigating important elements when conducting studies)

Paper 3 (Includes 4 topics):

• Issues and Debates (the main questions raised from psychology research)
• Schizophrenia (explanations and treatments for the condition)
• Relationships (formation, maintenance and break down of romantic relationships)
• Aggression (Human and animal aggression)

Curriculum map:

How to succeed:

• Ensure your classwork and homework are up to date and organised. A suggestion would be to have three separate folders for each paper, alongside dividers for each topic.
• After a lesson, create flashcards or mind maps on each topic. Then check through your mind map with your class notes and textbook and make amendments in a different colour.
• Become an expert in the topic. Once you have revised a topic, ensure you complete exam questions on the topic.
• Ensure you use the PEEL structure for evaluation.

Useful Links:

• Physics and Maths tutor: https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/psychology-revision
• Psychology 4A: https://www.psychology4a.com/
• Psychlotron: http://www.psychlotron.org.uk/
• Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/en-gb
• Simply Psychology: https://www.simplypsychology.org/
• Tumblr: https://iteachpsych.tumblr.com/
• Tutor2U: https://www.tutor2u.net/psychology
• Past papers and Mark schemes:

YouTube Channels:

• Crash Course Psychology: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtOPRKzVLY0jJY-uHOH9KVU6
• Miss Earle’s Psychology: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT2AjmlF_WKgdFYaX28Fo-w/playlists
• PsychBoost: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqIPOTshm8EM8CCWkCy9Pg
• Red Psychology: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVI7HrA5t1qhBVNVnSk4cDQ
• Super Psychology: https://www.youtube.com/user/graveneypsychology?itct=CCMQoTAYCyITCICwhI27hdcCFRUoTgod69UG5g%3D%3D&gl=US&client=mv-google&hl=en&app=desktop
• TeacherTube: https://www.teachertube.com/
• Ted Talks (Psychology): https://www.youtube.com/c/TED/search?query=psychology
• The Psych Show: https://www.youtube.com/user/thepsychshowdotcom
• Tutor2U: https://www.youtube.com/c/Tutor2uNet/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=3

Career Progression:

Possession of this A Level can lead to a non-related degree or a BSc degree in Psychology, which in turn can lead to a wide variety of career choices in Psychology, such as in health, education or numerous other graduate jobs, as many skills are very transferrable.

Complementary Subjects:

Sociology, Biology, Philosophy and Mathematics.

The skills gained and used throughout the course will complement nearly all other courses, but are particularly relevant to other humanity subjects.