A-Level Psychology
A Level Psychology
The human brain is the most extraordinary and fundamental part of who we are. Every thought, every emotion, and every action begins with tiny electrical and chemical signals passing between brain cells called neurons. A level Psychology takes you on an exciting journey into understanding how this incredible organ shapes our behaviour and experience. But it’s not all biology. Psychology explores the mind from a wide range of perspectives. It considers how we learn from our environment, how we process information, how society and culture shape us, and how unconscious thoughts and feelings can influence us without our awareness. This subject invites you to ask deep questions about what drives human behaviour and why people act the way they do. You will study the individual and the collective, the rational and the emotional, the conscious and the hidden. Even the study of animals helps to reveal where many of our own instincts and behaviours begin. Psychology is more than just a subject. It is a powerful tool for opening your eyes to new ways of thinking about yourself and the world around you.
Why Study Psychology at St. Bede’s?
• Expert teaching and assessment insight. Psychology is taught by a specialist teacher with extensive experience in both teaching and examining, giving students a clear understanding of how assessment criteria are applied and how to succeed.
• Support for high-achieving applicants. Experienced Bedian alumni staff provide dedicated support for Oxbridge Psychology applicants, offering expert guidance on applications and interviews.
• Small class sizes. Classes are kept small to ensure a personalised learning experience, where every student receives the attention and tailored support they need to thrive.
• ‘Brain Day’ with Dr Guy Sutton. Renowned neuroscientist Dr Guy Sutton visits St Bede’s to deliver his cutting-edge ‘Brain Day’ workshop, featuring the latest in neuroscience research, some not yet published, including a live brain dissection, bringing theory vividly to life.
• National essay competitions. Students are encouraged to enter prestigious competitions such as the John Locke Essay Competition, where many have been shortlisted and invited to attend the prize-giving events.
• Educational trips. Visits such as the trip to Chester Zoo give students the chance to explore primate behaviour and see how psychological theories are used in real-world animal care and welfare.
• Inspiring guest speakers. Experts in fields like clinical and educational psychology, mental health, and new therapeutic approaches share their insights, showing students how psychology applies beyond the classroom.
• Independent research opportunities. Students are given the chance to design and carry out their own psychological research, developing valuable skills in investigation, analysis and critical thinking.
Careers in Psychology
Psychology provides a strong intellectual foundation by combining a wide range of essential skills. Students develop critical analysis, scientific reasoning, and the ability to interpret data using mathematics and statistics. These skills are not only academically valuable but also highly transferable across a wide variety of careers.
Most professions involve working with people in some way, so the insight into human behaviour that psychology offers is incredibly useful and widely applicable. Whether you go into business, education, healthcare, law, or public services, understanding how people think, feel, and act gives you a significant advantage.
For those interested in a psychology-specific career, there are many exciting pathways available, from Clinical Psychology, supporting individuals with mental health challenges, to Forensic Psychology, applying psychological theory to crime and justice. A background in psychology is also highly valued in careers such as education, social work, marketing, human resources, counselling, nursing, research and neuroscience.
Assessment Information
As most students will not have studied Psychology previously, prior knowledge will not be expected.
Students will follow the AQA A level Psychology Specification (7182) which requires students to sit three, two hour written exam papers. Each examination paper is equally weighted and represents one third of the overall grade awarded.
Exam papers include a variety of question types, ranging from multiple-choice and short-answer questions to extended essay-style responses. Students are also required to apply their knowledge to novel situations presented in the examination.
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
• Social Influence
• Memory
• Attachment
• Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
96 marks, 2 hours, 33.3% of grade
Paper 2: Psychology in Context
• Approaches
• Biopsychology
• Research Methods
96 marks, 2 hours, 33.3% of grade
Paper 3: Issues and Options
• Issues and debates
• Schizophrenia
• Forensic Psychology
• Relationships
96 marks, 2 hours, , 33.3% of grade