Psychology – KS5
Course name: Psychology
Examination Board and syllabus no:
AQA – 2181
Course Outline
AS:
Unit 1 – PSYA1
Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods
50% of the total AS marks, 25% of the total A2 marks
1 hour 30 minutes
Structured compulsory questions based on Cognitive Psychology, Developmental
Psychology and Research Methods.
Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark question requiring
extended writing in which QWC will be assessed.
Examined in January (and June where students need a module re-sit)
Unit 2 – PSYA2
Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences
50% of the total AS marks, 25% of the total A2 marks
1 hour 30 minutes
Three compulsory structured questions, one based on the Biological Psychology
content, one based on the Social Psychology content and one based on the Individual
Differences content.
Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one or more
12-mark questions requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed.
Examined in June
A2:
Unit 3 – PSYA3
Topics in Psychology
25% of the total A Level marks
1 hour 30 minutes
Three essay-style questions chosen from eight topics. The taught topics are:
(a) Biological rhythms and sleep
(b) Relationships
(c) Gender
QWC will be assessed in each essay
Examined in January (and June where students need a module re-sit)
Unit 4 – PSYA4
Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods
25% of the total A Level marks
2 hours
Three sections
(a) Psychopathology: One essay-style question on Schizophrenia QWC will be
assessed in this essay.
(b) Psychology in Action: One parted question on Anomalistic Psychology
(c) Research Methods: One compulsory structured question.
Examined in June
Assessment
The course is assessed by 100% by examination. There is no coursework or controlled assessment. Unit 1 = 50% of the AS grade, Unit 2 = 50% of the AS grade. Together Unit 1 and 2 make up 50% of the overall A-level grade. Unit 3 is worth 50% of the A2 grade, Unit 4 is worth 50% of the A2 grade. Exams for Unit s 1, 2 & 3 are one hour thirty minutes and Unit 4 is a two hour exam.
Homework
Homework is set regularly and students should be expected to produce essays and past paper questions on a weekly basis.
Equipment required
No specialist equipment needed. Students will be provided with information packs for each Unit and Topic.
Textbooks set to the exam specification for the AS and A2 courses are available on request
Useful publications/websites
There are numerous AS/A2 -level revision websites and many good Psychological clips posted on YouTube. Full details of these will be provided within each Unit information pack.
Supporting your child’s progress
Parents can support their child’s progress by encouraging them to read around the subject outside of lessons, utilizing both the course textbooks and relevant websites.