AS Psychology

This is a Wolgarston High School / Stafford College partnership course.  Stafford College has its own VLE, which can be found on moodle.staffordcoll.ac.uk.

To succeed in this subject, you should enjoy:

• Exploring issues dealing with how and why people behave in certain ways;
• Planning and carrying out investigations into the behaviour of children and adults.

What are the three modules to be studied?

1. Cognitive, social and Development processes

This involves looking at memory and how the research relates to eyewitness testimony, social influence in the form of obedience and prejudice, developmental – how children learn.

Assessment- Examination 33.3%

2. Individual differences, Physiology and Behaviour

    This module includes learning theory and the importance of out environment, the work of Sigmund Freud in the pychodynamic approach, and awareness, which includes sleep and dreaming.

Assessment- Examination 33.3%

3. Coursework

This will comprise a psychological investigation into one area of human behaviour e.g. memory or attitudes.

Assessment- externally marked 33.3%

Why should I choose this subject?

• You do not need to have previously studied Psychology, but an interest in human behaviour is desirable.  During the course, you will need to be able to communicate effectively and research information from a variety of sources.  It would assist you on the course if you have achieved a grade C in English Language and Mathematics.
• Psychology is a social science and can be combined with most other subjects, including arts and science subjects.  The subject of psychology is highly recognised by higher education institution and offers the opportunity to study at degree level.
• Successful completion of the AS allows for progression to the full A level (A2).  The A2 syllabus considers the application of Psychology, including clinical, criminal and child psychology.

How will I learn this subject?

A wide range of teaching methods will be employed.  Classroom teaching will include individual and group work.  A variety of experiments and exercises will be conducted during lesson time.  The psychology section has a range of equipment and software, which is available to all students.

How will my work be assessed?

To succeed in this subject, you will need to demonstrate skills and knowledge in a variety of ways.  To help you achieve, we will provide you with clear feedback on your strengths and weaknesses through front sheets, which will regularly be attached to your work.

One piece of coursework is required, which will be supervised within school but externally marked.