Psychology is the scientific investigation of human behaviour and should appeal to those who are fascinated by discovering why people behave as they do. It is a strongly vocational subject with a wide variety of career options available: educational, occupational, forensic and clinical Psychology (child or adult specialism), as well as counselling, and laboratory and field based research of various kinds. A Psychology qualification may also be used to access a range of other employment fields such as management in business and industry, police, teaching, journalism and media, social work, and human resources. Psychology is a very popular degree course, and the A Level offers an excellent foundation to a wide range of topics and contemporary issues. Psychology has been classified as a science, reflecting its strong research element, as well as the sophisticated statistical analysis developed in pupils throughout the A Level course. PAPER 1 - 2 hour paper - Weighting 33.3% Introductory Topics in Psychology: Social Influence, Memory and Attachment, Psychopathology: This is a mix of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing, each topic worth 24 marks (96 marks total). The introductory topics offer a range of fascinating explanations for everyday behaviours including Conformity and Obedience. Pupils will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to the specified Paper 1 content and apply psychological knowledge to new situations. PAPER 2 - 2 hour paper - Weighting 33.3% Psychology in Context: Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods, Issues and Debates: This paper includes the study of Biological Rhythms, such as those involved in sleeping, and draws on the important crossover between neuroscience and Psychology. The strong element of research methods includes opportunities for practical work, which enables pupils to carry out their own investigations. Assessment is a mix of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing. PAPER 3 - 2 hour paper - Weighting 33.3% Issues and Options in Psychology: Relationships, Schizophrenia, Forensics: Topics such as why we choose certain relationships, symptoms and treatment of schizophrenia and explanations of offender behaviour are covered as well as learning competing psychological explanations. The course enables pupils to engage in contemporary issues and debates in psychology, such as including gender and culture, the role of animals in research, ethical issues, the nature/nurture debate, free will and determinism. Assessment is a mix of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing. Various innovative teaching and learning methods are employed, including role-play to replicate famous psychological experiments, and detailed individual examination of the latest university based research to inform group presentations. There will be many opportunities for class discussion as well as assessment based on short answer and longer essay style questions. Pupils will have the opportunity to attend one conference per year in London, which costs approximately £20 plus travel. ‘Psychology Review’ magazines are available at a reduced rate subscription for pupils of approximately £14. There is no coursework, and final assessment is by written examination.