Academic Offer

Michaela Sixth, Wembley

High achievers who are extremely determined and want the coaching and support to get to the best universities in the world should look no further than Michaela Sixth Form.

At Michaela, students meet other like-minded, talented and ambitious young people with a drive for excellence. We have achieved some of the best A Level results across London – our challenging and creative learning environment pushes our students to be their very best. Our students aspire to places at the very best universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and the Ivy League.

Focusing on our strengths, reaping the rewards

At Michaela, we only offer academic A Levels that are highly respected by the best universities (including the Russell Group and Ivy League) and the most prestigious professions. We specialise in what we know well: academic pursuits. Our range of courses means that our A Level students have every chance of obtaining top results. When our sixth form students leave Michaela, they will have all doors open to them, allowing them to be anything they want to be.

At Michaela, students meet other like-minded, talented and ambitious young people with a drive for excellence. We have achieved some of the best A Level results across London – our challenging and creative learning environment pushes our students to be their very best. Our students aspire to places at the very best universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and the Ivy League.

A Levels

Who is this suitable for?

A Level Biology is an exciting and intellectually stimulating course with a fantastic mix of different specialisms; botany, zoology, genetics, immunology, biochemistry, physiology and much more. If you are a talented biologist who wishes to study the subject to a far greater level of complexity and wish to pursue the sciences at higher education, then A Level Biology may be the subject for you.

Many reasons why you should study A Level Biology:

  • You are fascinated by the living world and want to understand deeper how living organisms function and interrelate.
  • You want to excel at planning experiments, collecting data, analysing experimental results and making conclusions.
  • You want to find out the benefits and risks that science brings and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions.
  • You want to get ‘hands on’ experience of ecology in one of our field trips.
  • You want to pursue a career in a Biology related subject.

What will I learn?

There are eight main units in A Level Biology.

In Year 12 you will be taught four units: 1) Biological molecules; 2) Cells; 3) Transport systems and 4) Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. There will also be six compulsory experiments to carry out; your understanding of principles of these will be assessed in your exams.

In Year 13 you will study a further four units: 5) Energy transfers; 6) Organisms respond to change; 7) Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and 8) The control of gene expression. Again, another six compulsory experiments to carry out; your understanding of principles of these will be assessed in your exams.

How will I be assessed?

End of Year 13:

  • Paper 1 (Units 1-4). 91 marks. 2 hrs. (35%)
  • Paper 2 (Units 5-8). 91 marks. 2 hrs. (35%)
  • Paper 3 (Units 1-8). 78 marks. 2hrs. (30%)

Each paper has a mixture of short and long answer questions. Paper 3 includes an essay from a choice of two titles.

Practical skills will also be assessed through the ‘Practical endorsement in biology’. This is not an exam. Instead, your teacher will assess whether or not you have adequately completed the skills required in 12 class practicals. This will then be reported as a pass or fail on your final A Level certificate but will not affect your grade.

Where could it lead me?

Successful Biology A Level students build up a commanding knowledge of complex systems and are skilled at applying the underlying principles to novel situations. Being such a broad topic, you’re bound to find a specific area of interest with further progression into many undergraduate degree courses including Medicine, Forensic Science, Physiotherapy, Veterinary medicine, Dentistry, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Ecology, Marine Biology, Sports Science, Food Science, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Optometry and so on.

A Level Biology is also regarded as a facilitating subject by the Russell Group of Universities such as Geography, Sociology, Economics and the Political Sciences.

A Level Biology opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers, especially for students wishing to pursue careers in research, medical and healthcare professions, environmental work and sports science.

“From so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.” – Charles Darwin

Why study Chemistry A Level?

A Level Chemistry will develop your understanding of chemistry allowing you to explain the properties and structures of the molecules and compounds which make up the very world around you. The course takes a broad but detailed approach to chemistry where you will study a range of topics from the shapes of atoms to how cancer treatments work. A Level Chemistry is challenging but will allow you to work hard to develop new knowledge and see it applied in a variety of different situations. Practical work is spread throughout the course to complement the theoretical knowledge gained in lessons.

What will I learn?

There are six main modules in Chemistry. In Year 12 you will study:

  1. Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
    This is spread throughout the two-year course as we carry out practical work.
  2. Foundations in Chemistry
    Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations; amount of substance; acid-base redox reactions; electrons, bonding and structure.
  3. Periodic Table and Energy
    Periodic table and periodicity; group 2 and the halogens; qualitative analysis; enthalpy changes; reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative).
  4. Core Organic Chemistry
    Basic concepts; hydrocarbons; alcohols and haloalkanes; organic synthesis; analytical techniques (infrared and mass spectroscopy).

In Year 13 you will study:

  1. Physical Chemistry and Elements
    Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative); pH and buffers; enthalpy, entropy and free energy; redox and electrode potentials; transition elements.
  2. Organic Chemistry and Elements
    Aromatic compounds; carbonyl compounds; carboxylic acids and esters; nitrogen compounds; polymers; organic synthesis; chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR).

How will I be assessed?

End of Year 13:

  • Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (Modules 1, 2, 3, 5). 100 marks. 2 hr 15 mins. (37%)
  • Synthesis and analytical techniques (Modules 1, 2, 4, 6). 100 marks. 2 hr 15 mins. (37%)
  • Unified Chemistry (Modules 1-6). 70 marks. 1 hr 30 mins. (26%)

Each paper has a mixture of multiple-choice, short and long answer questions which include a range of maths skills.

Practical skills will also be assessed through the ‘Practical endorsement in chemistry’. This is not an exam. Instead, your teacher will assess whether or not you have adequately completed the skills required in 12 class practicals. This will then be reported as a pass or fail on your final A Level certificate but will not affect your grade.

Where could it lead me?

You could be a chemist or biochemist. Chemistry also provides essential knowledge for careers such as those in medicine, veterinary science, geology, dentistry, biology, engineering, forensic science, toxicology, nanotechnology, environmental law or policy making, patent law and teaching.

“Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.” – Stephen Hawking

Who is this suitable for?

You should study Economics if:

  • You want to know why some countries are rich and others are poor.
  • You wonder about how money is created and how it works.
  • You are interested in how institutions like the NHS and schools are funded and how this relates to taxes.
  • You would like to know why a Big Mac costs £1.18 in Ukraine and £4.89 in Switzerland.
  • You want to find out about the costs and benefits of the UK leaving European Union.
  • You are keen to develop your ability to write logically and use graphs to support your arguments.
  • You enjoy books such as ‘The Undercover Economist’, blogs such as ‘Mainly Macro’, podcasts like ‘Freakonomics’, and articles in The Economist or The Financial Times (although you might not understand all of them yet!).

What will I learn?

Michaela pupils will study the Edexcel Economics course, which provides an excellent framework to analyse complex issues facing the world today through the application of ‘microeconomics’ and ‘macroeconomics’. Microeconomics is the study of decisions made by individuals and firms, and macroeconomics looks at how whole economies work, including regional, national and global economies. In Year 12, you will focus on core economic concepts. In microeconomics, you will learn about how the forces of supply and demand create markets that shape the world around you. In macroeconomics, you will consider the performance of the UK economy and the role of government policy. In Year 13, you will study in more detail how businesses, workers and consumers interact, and tackle global issues such as international trade, poverty and inequality, the economics of developing countries, the financial sector and the role of the state.

How will I be assessed?

Each Economics assessment includes a mixture of multiple-choice, data response and essay questions

  • Year 12: One paper on microeconomics and one paper on macroeconomics.
  • Year 13: Three papers of two hours: Paper 1 (micro), Paper 2 (macro) and Paper 3 (micro & macro).

What other subjects go with Economics?

Economics complements many subjects such as History and Politics. Many top universities expect applicants for pure economics to have also studied A Level Maths.

Where could it lead me?

Economics provides excellent preparation for any degree where essay-writing, maths or logical thinking are valued. You will become a rigorous, logical thinker with a greater understanding of how the world works. With further study, Economics provides a strong foundation for a career in finance, banking, accounting or policy-making.

“I got into economics because I wanted to make things better for the average person.” – Ben Bernanke, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve

Who is this suitable for?

  • You love reading and want to learn more about a wide range of literature.
  • You enjoy thinking about some of life’s biggest questions.
  • You express your opinions well – both in speech and in writing.
  • You want to keep your options open for further study – English Literature is a popular qualification for a wide range of courses in higher education or for future careers.

What will I learn?

  • A Level English builds on the knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE. You will learn new concepts and approaches to literature and will gain a deeper insight into the way writers craft their work.
  • Across the two years, you will study:
    • One Shakespeare play: ‘Hamlet’.
    • One modern drama: ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams.
    • Collections of pre-1900 and post-1900 poetry.
    • Two prose texts: ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley and ‘Never Let Me Go’ by Kazuo Ishiguro
    • One modern drama: ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams.
  • You will also have the opportunity to complete an independent study project. This module gives you the freedom to choose your own texts to compare, and essay questions to respond to, allowing you to pursue your own literary interests and deepen understanding of your chosen area.

How will I be assessed?

  • All core texts are assessed in formal examinations. There will also be an unseen element to your poetry exam.
  • The Independent Study unit is assessed in a formal coursework essay.

Where could it lead me?

Students with A Level English Literature have a wide range of possible higher education or career opportunities open to them. The course helps to develop a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of and appreciation for the written word, and the ability to analyse and evaluate ideas in depth.

There are many job opportunities open to students with an A Level in English Literature, including:

  • Writer
  • Publisher
  • Journalist
  • Teacher
  • Public Relations
  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • Film and TV

“The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest men of past centuries.” – René Descartes

Who is this suitable for?

  • French is one of the most highly regarded academic subjects and is a popular choice for Oxbridge applicants.
  • French is one of the most important languages for international trade, business and finance, and will likely become more important as the UK renegotiates its relationship with the EU.
  • It is the mother tongue of over 220 million people around the globe.
  • The literature, art, cinema and philosophy of France and the francophone countries are among the richest, most widely enjoyed and most influential in the world.

French is a highly academic subject which requires a strong work ethic and dedication. It is also hugely rewarding and enjoyable. To study French at A Level you need:

  • A keen interest in becoming fluent in French.
  • A willingness to work hard and persevere.
  • To enjoy learning about other cultures and languages.
  • An interest in literature, the arts and French-speaking society.

What will I learn?

  • You will progress beyond the fundamentals of GCSE to learn how to express yourself fluently in spoken and written French, making use of the highest levels of vocabulary and grammar.
  • You will read French literature and literature from the French-speaking (francophone) world, and understand more about the French literary tradition and culture.
  • You will learn about the rich tradition of French cinema, study the history and importance of the art form, and watch and appreciate numerous French films.
  • You will learn about francophone society: its politics, culture, art, history and philosophical underpinnings.
  • You will have the opportunity to spend time in France, learning the language and experiencing the culture.

How will I be assessed?

Year 13:

  • Paper 1 (50%) is a comprehension paper. It tests your understanding of a variety of French sources. These could be news reports, radio programmes or magazine articles.
  • Paper 2 (20%) is a written paper. It involves an essay analysis of two works of literature that you have studied.
  • Paper 3 (30%) is a speaking exam. You are assessed on a presentation and discussion on an aspect of francophone society.

Where could it lead me?

  • Languages are universally very highly regarded. Learning a foreign language demonstrates that you are diligent and conscientious, character traits valued by universities and employers.
  • In a globalised economy being able to speak a foreign language is a highly-prized skill in any field. French speakers are sought after in both the public and private sectors.
  • Studying French at university can lead to multiple career paths. Within the discipline, there are many careers such as translating and interpreting, many of which mean a lot of foreign travel. It is also an excellent complement to other degree areas, such as law or the humanities. Language graduates have become lawyers, authors, teachers, bankers, advertisers, computer programmers… even spies! With a language degree, the world really is your huître.

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein

To study Further Maths you must also study A Level Maths.

Who is this suitable for?

You should study Further Maths if:

  • You have got certificates on the UKMT over multiple years, especially Years 10 and 11.
  • You love Maths lessons.
  • You intend to pursue a career that will regularly involve mathematical thinking.

What will I learn?

Michaela pupils will study the Edexcel Further Maths A Level course. You will learn how to work with imaginary numbers, what a matrix is and how to formulate and apply different algorithms. We also study modules in the applications of Maths to Mechanics and Statistics . Further Maths is not necessarily harder Maths, just different Maths.

How will I be assessed?

You will sit 4 papers at the end of Year 13

  • Papers 1 and 2 on the Core Pure content.
  • Paper 3 on Further Statistics.
  • Paper 4 on Further Mechanics.

Where could it lead me?

Further Maths A Level is incredibly sought-after by employers and universities. If you are considering studying Maths at University, you will need to study Further Maths. The A Level is also greatly valued for studying Physics and Economics at some of the top universities (e.g. it is common to study PPE at Oxford without Further Maths, but more common for students taking Economics or Physics as stand-alone degrees at Russell Group Universities to have taken Further Maths).

“Pure mathematics is, in its own way, the poetry of logical ideas.” – Albert Einstein

Why study Geography A level?

Through studying Geography you will have a greater understanding of the world that we live in and develop a deeper understanding of the physical and human processes shaping the world we live in- whether at the local, national or global scales.

What will I learn?

Physical Geography Physical Geography draws on a physical science perspective and explores physical processes and how they bring about change in our world.

  • How the water cycle and the carbon cycle function on our planet
  • Landscape systems: the processes shaping our landscape in the UK and in the world (rivers, coasts and glaciation)
  • How different hazards (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, drought, tropical storms) affect particular regions and countries around the world
  • Geographical skills: map reading, mathematical and statistical calculations on data sets
  • Analyse and assess geographical issues which span between physical and human geography

Human Geography Human Geography explores the world through a social science perspective examining how and why human societies change and develop.

  • Global systems and governance/globalisation: how the world is becoming increasingly interconnected
  • How places change over time (regenerating and diversifying places)
  • Global connections (global health, migration, resources, environments)
  • Geographical skills: map reading, mathematical and statistical calculations on data sets
  • Analyse and assess geographical issues which span between physical and human geography

Coursework (non-exam assessment-NEA) You will complete four days of fieldwork throughout the duration of your A level Geography (two human and two physical). During this time, teachers will guide you on different investigation questions and data collection methods. After a pilot study, you will generate your own investigation question linked to the A level specification and collect data for this. The NEA is a 3,000-4,000 word opportunity for you to develop the experience writing at length on a geographical enquiry (much like you would do at university). This provides you with the opportunity to show your methodology, data collection techniques, data presentation techniques, show statistical mathematics on your data sets, and express a critical analysis and evaluation on the meaning of your investigation.

Each paper has a mixture of multiple-choice, short and long answer questions which include a range of maths skills.

Where could it lead me?

Geography is one of the most employable disciplines due to the range of skills it demands. Not only can Geographers write extremely well, they can interpret data, create visual representations on these data, and produce reports. These skills are vital for careers in environmental work, international charities, law, academia, the heritage sector, politics, public affairs, business, teaching, diplomacy and the British Government and Civil Service.

Geography is widely accepted as one of the most traditional and rigorous academic subjects and is highly valued by the top universities in the world.

“So many of the world’s current problems boil down to geography, and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them.” – Michael Palin

Why Study Politics?

Through studying Politics, you will learn about the way in which power is exercised in Britain, Europe and across the wider world, including the United States of America. You will gain an understanding of our political system and it will help you become a well-informed citizen, and you will be able to comment and contribute to the wider political debate.

What will I learn?

Paper 1:

Government and Politics of the UK – The nature and sources of the British Constitution; The Structure and Role of Parliament; The Prime Minister and the Cabinet; The Judiciary; Democracy and Participation; Elections and Referendums; Political Parties; Pressure Groups; The European Union.

Paper 2:

Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics – The Constitutional Framework of the US Government; Congress; the Presidency; the Judiciary; the Electoral System; Political Parties; Pressure Groups Civil Rights.
Compare Politics – A Comparison of the Political Systems of the UK and USA.

Paper 3:

Political Ideas – Liberalism; Conservatism; Socialism; Nationalism.

How will I be assessed?

Year 13: Three two-hour papers.

Where could it lead me?

Politics will give you important transferable skills which will be useful for careers in the law, politics, the civil service and public affairs.

“Politics is the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen.” – Winston Churchill

Why study History A Level?

Through studying History you will get closer to understanding the world we live in and develop a deeper knowledge of the politics and society of Britain, Europe and the wider world. You will develop an unparalleled insight into the patterns of politics, diplomacy, economics and human behaviour which will enrich your life and enable you to engage in the great conversations of mankind. It will enable you to understand and comment on the world in which you are now part of.

What will I learn?

Year 12:

  • British History 1783-1846
    • How Britain was transformed from a country that had just lost America, to the world’s most powerful empire.
    • Britain’s response to the greatest European battle of ideas, the French Revolution and Britain’s role during the Napoleonic Wars.
    • How the great industrial changes made Britain the workshop of the world and helped shape one of the earliest representative governments in human history.
  • The Crusades and the Crusader States, 1095-1192
    • The ideas and events that led tens of thousands of European Christians to go to war in the Middle East.
    • Epic journeys, sieges, and battles between Crusaders and their opponents.
    • The politics and power-struggles of both the Crusader States and their Muslim neighbours.

Year 13:

  • China and its rulers, 1939-1989
    • China’s transformation from empire to democracy, to divided collection of warlord territories, to communist dictatorship.
    • The changing positions in Chinese society of women, students, workers and farmers; the ways they were affected by war, famine, prosperity, and industrial development.
    • China’s wars, alliances, defeats and victories involving the British and French Empires, Japan, Russia, and the USA.
  • Topic-based essay
    • Learn how to research as a historian and write your own topic-based essay based on a selection of topics.

How will I be assessed?

Three exam papers (between one hour and two and a half hours) and coursework.

Where could it lead me?

You will also develop essential transferable skills which are vital for careers in the law, academia, the heritage sector, politics, public affairs, business, teaching, diplomacy and the British Government and Civil Service. History is widely accepted as one of the most traditional and rigorous academic subjects and is highly valued by the top universities in the world.

“History is to the nation as memory is to the individual.” – Arthur Schlesinger

Who is this suitable for?

You should study Maths if:

  • You get a buzz from solving mathematical and logical puzzles, like the UKMT.
  • You love Maths lessons.
  • You are really strong at working with fractions, algebra and surds.
  • You are not satisfied with simply knowing how to do things in Maths, rather you strive to always know why things work out the way they do.

What will I learn?

Michaela pupils will study the Edexcel A Level course, which has three main components: Pure, Statistics and Mechanics. The Pure Maths component focuses on deepening your understanding of Algebra and in particular its links with Geometry. You will also begin to learn about one of mankind’s greatest discoveries, Calculus. Although Pure Maths focuses on skills in a mostly abstract setting, skills such as Differentiation and Integration are necessary to pursue a wide range of subjects to the highest level.

The Statistics component will equip you with the tools needed to process, analyse and interpret data in a variety of forms. You will also learn new methods to calculate probabilities. The Mechanics component is the Maths of how things move and of modelling physical events mathematically.

How will I be assessed?

You will sit three two-hour papers at the end of Year 13:

  • Papers 1 and 2 cover the Pure content.
  • Paper 3 covers the Statistics and Mechanics content.

What other subjects go with Mathematics?

Students can study Maths with any subject they enjoy although studying Maths will support you in studying for other sciences, particularly Physics.

Where could it lead me?

Maths A Level is the most desired A Level amongst employers and universities. If you are considering studying a Science, Medicine, Economics or Engineering degree at a top university, many will not even consider your application if does not contain Maths A Level. It is a highly respected qualification both in the UK and abroad. A good grade in Maths A Level will open many doors for you in later life. Indeed, a recent study found that pupils with Maths A Level are on average earning 11% more at the age of 34 than those without.

Note: If you think you will want to study Maths at university, you will need to also study Further Maths at A level.

“Maths: The only place where someone flips a coin 100 times and nobody wonders why.”

Who is this suitable for?

  • Anyone who enjoys solving problems, and in particular those who enjoy solving problems mathematically.
  • Those who are eager to understand the world around us, the world inside us and the world beyond us.
  • Pupils who wish to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or anything involving mathematics.

What will I learn?

Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. It is the basis of many other sciences including chemistry, astronomy, seismology and oceanography. The fundamentals of physics are also central to the technology that drives modern society. A Level Physics is a challenging course that covers a diverse set of topics.

In Year 12 we will cover the following topics: measurements and their errors; particles and radiation; waves; mechanics and materials; electricity.

In Year 13 we continue to improve the practical skills developed through the measurement and errors topic as well as covering: further mechanics and thermal physics; fields and their consequences; nuclear physics; astrophysics.

How will I be assessed?

Year 13:

  • Paper 1 – 85 marks, 2 hours, 34% of A Level grade.
  • Paper 2 – 85 marks, 2 hours, 34% of A Level grade.
  • Paper 3 – 80 marks, 2 hours, 32% of A Level grade.
  • Practical skills endorsement from teacher – pass/fail grade reported alongside A Level grade.

What other subjects go with Physics?

It is advisable that everyone who would like to study Physics also studies Maths (successful Physicists will also study Further Maths). It would be extremely difficult to achieve a good grade at A Level in Physics without also studying A Level Mathematics and Further Maths. Physics also complements the other sciences.

Where could it lead me?

A Level Physics is an excellent foundation for any university course involving science, mathematics, engineering or computer science. Physicists are problem solvers and their analytical skills are in huge demand across a variety of industries. You can find physics graduates working in journalism, law, finance, medicine as well as in industrial, university and government labs. So whether you would like to discover the origins of dark matter and energy, develop a world changing piece of new technology or save lives by predicting the next major earthquake; studying Physics will give you the tools to do it all.

“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.” – Carl Sagan

Who is this suitable for?

  • You may be interested in further study or careers in law, humanities, history, English, philosophy, theology, social sciences or education.
  • Anyone interested in a career where decision-making or thinking around ethical issues is needed, or where communicating complex ideas succinctly is highly valued. Philosophy and Theology graduates often go into managerial roles, law, diplomacy, government, journalism, teaching, the military, law enforcement or the civil service.
  • People who want to develop their ability to appreciate complex and contentious debates, relating to how humans should behave, what is ‘right’ or what the place should be of religion in society.

What will I learn?

The A Level is split into three different sections: the philosophy of religion, ethics, and developments in Christian thought. You will study each of these three areas across the two-year course.

How will I be assessed?

Year 12:

  • Paper 1 – Paper one introduces students to ancient philosophical influences, Plato, Aristotle, the nature of the soul, the mind and body, arguments about the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and impact of religious experience, and the problem of evil and suffering.
  • Paper 2 – Paper two introduces pupils to normative ethical theories (Aquinas, Kantian Ethics and Utilitarianism) before applying them in the contexts of euthanasia and the corporate world.
  • Paper 3 – Paper three introduces pupils to developments in Christian thought including Augustine on human nature, debates about knowledge of God’s existence and how Christian ethical principles were lived out in the case of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Year 13:

  • Paper 1 – Paper one develops the themes of Year 12. It adds questions concerning free will and religious language.
  • Paper 2 – Paper two develops the themes of Year 12. It adds questions concerning meta-ethics, Aquinas and Freud on conscience, and sexual ethics.
  • Paper 3 – Paper three develops the themes of 12. It adds questions about religious pluralism, the challenge of secularism, Marx and liberation theology.

Where could it lead me?

An A Level in Philosophy and Theology could take you anywhere. The skills of distilling large quantities of information into succinct points, wrestling with complex and contentious debates, and arguing your point persuasively are highly valued by all top universities.

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates

Who is this suitable for?

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. Through studying psychology, you will learn how to explain and predict human behaviour.

You should study Psychology if:

  • You wonder if we can rely on the testimony of eyewitnesses who recall details of a crime
  • You want to know why people obey destructive authority
  • You want to know why humans form attachments with their infants
  • You question whether it is better to treat people with schizophrenia with drugs or talking therapies
  • You wonder if criminals are born made and have the capacity to change
  • You are interested in why memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s occur

What will I learn?

Across the two years, you will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of psychology through a range of topics.

Component 1: Social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology

Component 2: Approaches in psychology, biopsychology, research methods

Component 3: Issues and debates in psychology, relationships, schizophrenia and aggression

How will I be assessed?

You will sit three two-hour papers at the end of Year 13

  • Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (96 marks)
  • Paper 2: Psychology in Context (96 marks)
  • Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (96 marks)arks)

Where could it lead me?

Psychology A Level supports further study in a variety of areas, including clinical psychology, medicine, law, sport and teaching.

“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure science” – Edwin Powell Hubble (1929)