The Social Science Department explores the complex structures, behaviours, and relationships that shape human society. Social sciences examine how individuals interact, how institutions function, and how cultural, political, and economic forces influence daily life. Studying social sciences equips students with a versatile set of analytical and interpersonal tools, fostering critical thinking, cross-cultural awareness, and advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills. By learning to evaluate complex social issues, assess data objectively, and articulate well reasoned arguments students are able to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, preparing them for impactful careers in public policy, law, business, education, advocacy, and global development.
Meet the Team:
Miss Ahsan – Curriculum Leader for Social Sciences
Mrs Firth – Teacher of Social Sciences
Miss C Amankwah – Teacher of Social Sciences
Psychology (AQA)
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It examines how humans think, feel, act, and interact, combining biological processes, cognitive functions, and social influences to explain why people do what they do. Studying psychology at A-level offers an engaging bridge between the natural sciences and the humanities, equipping students with rigorous skills in data analysis, statistical testing, and scientific methodology while honing their ability to write critical, evidence-based essays. Beyond learning core topics the course challenges students to objectively evaluate research methods and spot flaws in scientific claims. Ultimately, A-level Psychology provides a highly versatile foundation that sharpens critical thinking for everyday life while opening doors to university degrees and careers in fields ranging from neuroscience and clinical healthcare to law, marketing, and business.
The AQA A-Level Psychology specification delivers a comprehensive grounding in psychological science across three distinct papers: Introductory Topics, Psychology in Context, and Issues and Options. Students explore foundational human behavior through core topics such as social influence, memory mechanisms, caregiver attachment, biological brain architecture, and clinical mental health conditions like depression, OCD, and phobias. The curriculum systematically compares major theoretical perspectives—including behavioural, cognitive, biological, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches while addressing overarching debates like nature versus nurture and free will versus determinism. A critical cornerstone of the course is Research Methods, which accounts for roughly a third of total assessment marks and equips students to design experiments, handle qualitative data, perform inferential statistical tests, and evaluate study ethics. Students also choose from specialised applied options, such as forensic psychology, relationships and schizophrenia, learning to synthesise research evidence into structured, evaluative essays.
Topics of Study:
Introductory Topics in Psychology (Covered in Year 12): Social Influence, Memory and Attachment.
Psychology in Context (Covered in Year 12): Approaches in Psychology, Psychopathology and Research Methods.
Issues, Debates & Approaches (Covered in Year 13)
Optional Topics (Covered in Year 13): Relationships, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology
Curriculum Map:
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
||||
1:1 |
1:2 |
2:1 |
2:2 |
3:1 |
3:2 |
|
Year 12 |
Approaches, Research Methods |
Research Methods, Memory, |
Attachment, Psychopathology |
Social Influence |
Research Methods, Revision |
Revision |
Assessment |
Paper 2 (section A&C) |
Paper 1 (Section B) |
Paper 1 (Section B&D) |
Paper 1 (Section A) |
Paper 1 (knowledge recall test) |
Full Paper 1 (PPE) |
Year 13 |
IDA |
BioPsychology and Forensics |
Schizophrenia , Relationships |
Research Methods |
Revision |
Examination Period |
Assessment |
Paper 3 (section A) |
Paper 2 (Section B) Paper 3 (Section D), Paper 1 (Full Paper (AS revision)) |
Paper 3 (Section B&C), Full Paper 1 and 2 PPE |
Paper 2 (section 3) |
Full Paper 3, essay practice and knowledge recall |
|
The course requires students to be able to read complex material from a wide range sources, to learn scientific experiments and analyse them using statistics. No previous experience of Psychology is required. This course is very contemporary with regards to the evidence studied, a keen interest in cultural affairs is also beneficial.
AQA A Level Psychology Specification
Psychology Suggested reading:
Non-Fiction top picks:
Colman, A. M. (2003) A Dictionary of Psychology.
Gross, R. (2010) Psychology: The science of mind and behaviour
Northedge, A.(1997) The Sciences Good Study Guide.
Redman, P. (2001) Good Essay Writing: A Social Sciences Guide
Carter, R. (1998) Mapping the mind
Murphy, G. L. (2004) The Big Book of Concepts
Damasio, A. (1994) Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason and the Human Brain
James, W. (1890) The Principles of Psychology: Volume One.
Pinker, S. (1997) How the Mind Works
Ramachandran, V.S (1998) Phantoms in the Brain: Human Nature and the Architecture of the Mind.
Fiction top picks:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
Room by Emma Donoghue
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins