Expectations WHAT YOU WILL DO WHAT WE WILL DO. Nine hours of lessons per fortnight. Return work to you promptly

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1 1 Name The Course Guide will give you some important information about the course and what is expected of you. Please read the guide carefully and ask your teacher any questions you may have. Department & Staff The following staff teach AS Psychology; Ms J. Porter Ms J. Morgan

2 Expectations 2 WHAT YOU WILL DO Nine hours of lessons per fortnight Homework every week, most lessons. Completion of this work will enable you to take part in following lesson. Regular tests Work independently Develop your study skills for psychology WHAT WE WILL DO Return work to you promptly Identify resources required to complete the home works Help and support if you are having difficulties Tuesday s after school support night. Feedback on tests and homeworks What you will need It is really important that you make sure that you are organised right at the beginning of the course so that you can make a good start. It is a good idea to make sure you have a big lever arch file for psychology as you will be getting a lot of handouts and it is important for your revision that these are kept safe and in order. You may not always want to bring your file into school, particularly towards the end of the year when it will be very full. However, always make sure that you have all of the notes on the current topic with you as you will often need to refer to things you have already covered. What you need to do You will be given a checklist for each topic which will give you a summary of the content that you will learn. Use it to check you have all the relevant notes in the right place. Each week you should spend about an hour checking your notes and summarising any studies or theories that will help you when you are revising (in addition to reading, researching and homework). If you miss any lessons, catch up on the notes ASAP it is your responsibility.

3 3 This is a two year course. In year one you will complete the exams to pass the AS. In May/June you will take unit one and unit two. If you continue into the second year you will be entered for units three and four. This will lead to an A Level in Psychology. Cognitive Psychology Models of memory Memory in everyday life AS Unit 1 Developmental Psychology Attachment Attachment in everyday life Research Methods Methods and techniques Investigation design Data analysis and presentation Biological Psychology Stress Stress as a bodily response Stress in everyday life AS Unit 2 Social Psychology Social Influence Social Influence Social Influence in everyday life Individual differences Psychopathology (Abnormality) Defining and explaining psychological abnormality Treating abnormality (These are provisional the exam board may change them) Monday 11 th May 2015 Unit 1 (PSYA1) Cognitive, Developmental & Research Methods 1hour 30 minutes Monday 18 th May 2015 Unit 2 (PSYA2) Biological, Social & Individual Differences 1hour 30 minutes

4 4 Unit 1 Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods. Written Paper, 1hour 30 minutes 50% of total AS marks, 25% of total A Level Marks Section A Cognitive and Research Methods (36 marks) Section B Developmental and Research Methods (36 Marks) Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12 mark question requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed. The 12 mark question may relate to either section. Unit 2 Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences. Written Paper, 1hour 30 minutes 50% of total AS marks, 25% of total A Level Marks Section A Biological (24 marks) Section B Social (24 Marks) Section C Individual Differences (24 Marks) Three compulsory structured questions: one based on each section. Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one or more 12 mark questions requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed. The examination period should be seen in a positive light. It can be rewarding and fruitful; a time that marks the finish to a particular unit, a time where things seem to come together on the course. Remember the following things: 1. The techniques and processes required to pass an exam are things that can be taught and practised. If you experience problems with exams you can talk to your teachers and you can arrange individual times to get help. You can talk about your exam technique and they can help you to improve. It s a good idea to start this process early on so that you can reap the rewards as soon as possible. 2. Exam revision should be an active process, one in which the student draws upon existing skills and knowledge, and be able to use that knowledge to write with thought and depth about the topics covered.

5 5 A01 Knowledge and understanding of science and how science works. Recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge. Select, organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms. A02 Application of knowledge and understanding of science and of how science works. Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and apply knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations. Assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information. A03 How science works psychology Describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods. Know how to make, record and communicate valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy, through using primary and secondary resources. Analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology of their own and others experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways.

6 6 Preparing for Examinations: 5 tips for success 1. The key to successful revision is to organise your revision material. You must keep your folders neat and tidy at all times. Use the checklists provided to tick off the material as you complete it. Ensure that you have all the required material and that it is in the correct order. Your teacher may complete folder checks at any time, so it s best to get into the routine straight away. 2. Use a mind map or a simple plan to organise the material into an overall framework. 3. Use techniques that enable you to condense the material into manageable forms. E.g. mind maps/cue cards. Make sure that you don t leave out too much material when you do this. 4. Make a timetable and set yourself goals. An example would be By the end of my revision today I will be able to write an accurate and detailed description and evaluation of Bowlby s maternal deprivation hypothesis. 5. Get plenty of exam practice. Before the exams you should always spend time sitting down and answering examination questions. Your teacher will provide you with exam questions for you to do this. Set yourself time limits, don t use books and then mark your work using the books. Look at the detail that you included and what you omitted and use this to build up your exam skills. If you are not sure how to answer an exam question that you come across speak to your teacher. During the examination 1. Remember you MUST answer the question set. Some candidates look for key words and think that the actual wording of the question doesn t really matter. Alternatively, students prepare answers to set questions they think will come up and then don t actually answer the question on the paper. Don t fall into the trap of writing what you want to; write what the examiner wants! To do this, you need to think carefully and plan what you are going to say in your mind. Longer answers don t always gain the most credit well thought through answers always do. 2. Plan your answers carefully. Decide which content is required, AO1, AO2, AO3 or all of them. Develop techniques for the different content required. For example the one half A01 and one half A02 technique. This means that you present your A01 material in the first paragraph and then A02 in the second paragraph. To construct an A02 paragraph you may have many critical points to make. For example you may look at research evidence (support or challenge), gender or cultural differences, useful applications, ethical issues and so on. 3. Time management; allocate your time properly so that you spend an equal amount of time on each section of the exam paper, as these earn equal marks. You don t want to spend too much time on one question and then run completely out of time for the other question. A good strategy is to move on when time runs out as you can always go back if you have time left at the end.

7 7 This is the textbook we will use in class which follows the AS course. Cardwell, Mike & Flanagan, C Psychology AS. The Complete Companion Students Book. Third Edition Oxford University Press, 2012 There will be a few copies available in the library (reference only). Or if you choose to buy your own copy for home use this is the ISBN There are also alternative textbooks which fit the AQA A AS course which you may prefer. If unsure check with your teacher before buying. The school library contains a selection of reference books. Many are for the GCSE psychology course but often will contain research and information relevant to the AS course too. Ms. Porter has her own supply of books and DVD suggestions if you become interested in a particular area of psychology. Please ask. A number of articles which enable you to extend your knowledge beyond the specification can be found in the psychology classroom; Journal articles and past issues of The Psychologist (the BPS publication); see Ms. Porter for details. There are lots of useful websites which will help you with your independent study, they include: cool.co.uk/a level If you prefer listening as a change to reading there are some useful podcasts here: If you wish to develop a deeper understanding of psychology you may find these websites interesting Knowing what you want to do when you leave school can be a very difficult decision. The time you spend at The Sweyne Park sixth form will go VERY quickly, so it is worth thinking about this early on. What is clinical psychology? Clinical psychology aims to reduce psychological distress and to enhance and promote psychological wellbeing. A wide range of psychological difficulties may be dealt with, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, learning disabilities, child and family problems, and other forms of serious mental

8 illness. Clinical psychologists work largely in health and social care settings including hospitals, health centres, community mental health teams, child and adolescent mental health services and social services. To become a Clinical Psychologist you need to obtain a bachelors degree (3 years), complete some work experience in the field (typically 1 year), and then complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (3 years). Therefore, to qualify it will take a minimum of 7 years after completing your A levels. What is educational psychology? Educational psychologists promote child development and learning mainly with children and young people, aged 0 19 years, through the application of psychology. Work is carried out in partnership with individuals and groups of children, teachers and other adults in schools. To become an educational psychologist you need to obtain a bachelors degree (3 years) and then complete a Doctorate in Educational Psychology (3 years). Therefore, to qualify it will take a minimum of 6 years after completing your A levels What is forensic psychology? Forensic psychology is devoted to psychological aspects of legal processes in courts. The term is often used to refer to investigative and criminological psychology: applying psychological theory to criminal investigation, understanding psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour and the treatment of criminals. To become a Forensic psychologist you need to obtain a bachelors degree (3 years), complete an MSc in Forensic Psychology (1 year full time) and then complete Stage 2 of the BPS Society s Diploma in Forensic Psychology. Therefore, to qualify it will take a minimum of 5 years after completing your A levels Child Psychology Many students say that they want to work as a Child Psychologist but you need to clarify what you mean when you say this. If you want to help children in clinical settings, then you want to be a Clinical Psychologist (see above). You can then specialise in helping children after your training. If you want to help children with their development then you are probably better suited to Educational Psychology (see above). Further information about the different specialised routes in psychology (there are more) can be found on the British Psychological Society website; in psychology 8 If you are thinking about going to university there are a few things you need to think about. Most importantly you need to ensure that the course you are considering has been granted accredited GBC status by the British Psychological Society (BPS). GBC (graduate basis for chartered membership) means that you can then specialise in different fields of psychology following your degree (e.g., Clinical, Educational, Forensic, Counselling, Health, and Sports Psychology). Without a recognised degree in Psychology you cannot specialise, so it is really worth checking this in the prospectus of the institution before you complete your UCAS form. When deciding where to study it is worth looking at the university league tables. There are league tables for the institution overall and for specific subjects. You will find that some universities are known for being good places to study psychology, so it can be worth checking out the subject specific information. You can find league tables online like the one here; tables/rankings?s=psychology

9 The next thing to do is to decide whether you want to study Psychology as a single subject or with another subject. Many universities offer dual honours degrees (e.g., Psychology and another subject of your choosing) which enable you to keep your options open as to what you may specialise in when you leave university. 9 There are many careers where having an A level in Psychology would be advantageous. The list below is not an exhaustive list, merely some suggestions to get you thinking. Social care and social work: The social care section covers all the occupations whose aim it is to help people overcome difficulties related to physical, mental, environmental, or lifestyle problems at any stage in their lives. It includes staff in both professional and non professional roles who support vulnerable people living in the community and in residential care. Mental health nursing: Mental health nurses work with children, adults and older people suffering from various types of mental health problems. As a registered mental health nurse you would work with clients in their own homes, in residential units and the NHS or in secure units. The work involves helping people to recover from their illness or come to terms with it to maximise their life potential. Human Resources: A human resource officer (HR) develops, advises on and implements policies relating to the effective use of personnel within an organisation. This will cover areas such as working practices, recruitment, pay, conditions of employment and diversity. Advertising: Advertising and direct marketing professionals work in house and will be employed in agencies, which can be split into different types: creative agencies, media agencies, direct marketing agencies, digital on line agencies, and full service agencies. Marketing: Marketing executives are involved in aspects of marketing, including: planning, advertising, promotion, public/media relations, product development, distribution, sponsorship and research. The role is often challenging and varied. Marketing executives can be found in both the private and public sectors. Teaching: A teacher is someone who helps students or pupils, often in a school, as well as in a family, religious or community setting. The role can vary depending on the age of the pupils/students. You need to decide which age and subject you would like to specialise in. A degree is normally required in the subject you want to specialise in. Police: Police officers work in partnership with the public and in the front line in the fight against crime and the fear of crime. They are citizen focused, responding to the needs of individuals and communities. Using the latest technology, police officers are trained to manage information and intelligence in order to secure successful court prosecutions. Careers Adviser: A careers adviser provides information, advice and guidance to help people make realistic choices about education, training and work. Careers advisers work with a range of clients aged 14 to adult. Counselling: Counsellors help people to explore feelings about their lives so that they can reflect about what is happening to them and consider alternative ways of doing things. Working in a confidential setting, counsellors listen attentively to their clients and offer them the time, empathy and respect they need to express their own feelings.

10 10 You can usually find Ms Porter in S03 at lunchtime or after school. Tuesdays after school are available for help and support. If she doesn t know the answer to a question she can find out for you. You can us at any time on; jenniferp@sweynepark.com junem@sweynepark.com We hope you enjoy psychology as much as we enjoy teaching it. If you have any problems at all, please talk to us about them and we will do our best to help. Work hard, be curious about the subject, and accept advice and you will be successful. You can access the psychology intranet site via the Sweyne Park website Click on the VLE icon and log on. Select Psychology KS5 What can I find on the V.L.E.? Unit guides Here you can find a break down of the AS course Homeworks Here you will be able to access homework task and resources if relevant. Exam dates (when they are finalised by the exam board) Very important to know early on so that you can plan your revision. Links to external websites These include websites which will help you with the material, as well as relevant You Tube clips to aid your understanding. Past papers These should be used to aid with your revision and to practise exam skills. Extra resources These will aid you with your understanding and build on what you cover in class.