PSYCHOLOGY AS/A LEVEL 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 8th January 2026, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

This qualification offers an engaging and effective introduction to psychology. Students will learn fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by Higher Education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. The course consists of three papers assessed by external examination. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to the specified content of each paper.

The course is primarily taught through PowerPoint presentation. Students are expected to make detailed notes on topic areas in lesson and consolidate this learning by engaging in wider reading out of class. Students are encouraged to analyse and present an informed opinion of the psychological principals covered within class and as such, verbal discussion forms a large part of in class learning. Further understanding of the subject is gained by conducting psychological experiments.

The course requires students to learn a vast amount of psychological research; much of which will have a scientific basis. You must be committed to your study of the subject in order to succeed. There is literally no substitute for hard work when it comes to achieving in this subject. In return you will gain a fascinating insight into the human mind and behaviour. As human interaction permeates every aspect of society, an understanding of psychology is both useful and applicable to any student.

UNIT OUTLINE

Paper 1 – Introductory topics in psychology to include; social influence, attachment, memory and psychopathology

Paper 2 – Psychology in context to include; different approaches in psychology, biopsychology and research methods

Paper 3 – Issues and options in psychology to include; issues and debates, Cognition and development, stress and forensic psychology

The course is primarily taught through PowerPoint presentation. Students are expected to make detailed notes on topic areas in lesson and consolidate this learning by engaging in wider reading out of class. Students are encouraged to analyse and present an informed opinion of the psychological principals covered within class and as such, verbal discussion forms a large part of class time. Assessment of subject knowledge mirrors the external examination. Students are required to answer a series of topic specific (short) questions as well as produce more detailed responses in a traditional essay format.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

The course requires students to learn a vast amount of psychological research; much of which will have a scientific basis. You must be committed to your study of the subject in order to succeed. There is literally no substitute for hard work when it comes to achieving in this subject. In return you will gain a fascinating insight into the human mind and behaviour. As human interaction permeates every aspect of society, an understanding of psychology is both useful and applicable to any student. It will have further benefits to students wishing to undertake a career that is person focussed. This may be as a psychology specialist, e.g. clinical, forensic or health psychologist or for those thinking of going into nursing and medicine, physiotherapy, human resources, the police or law.

Website: www.aqa.org.uk