Make a difference

WelcomeA Level Psychology

A Level Psychology

• Introduction to OCR

• Introduction to Psychology

• Why change to our specification?

• Support and training

• Next steps

Contents

About OCR

• Part of Europe’s largest assessment agency, Cambridge Assessment

• UK’s leading awarding body

• Over 13,000 centres choose our qualifications

• Qualifications are developed in consultation with teachers

Our Mission

Our commitment is to provide qualifications which engagelearners of all ages whether at school, college, in work and part time training

programmes so they achieve their full potential

make a difference

Practical Accessible Innovative and exciting

Our Credentials

• Leading the way with new ideas

• Dedicated to offering respected qualifications

• Engaging and relevant qualifications

• Comprehensive support framework

Psychology Credentials

• Hugely popular specification• Loved by teachers• Renowned core studies unit

unique to OCR• Developed in consultation• Expert team of respected

examiners• Supported by world

renowned psychologists working in HE

Key points of the specification

• Straightforward structure• Focused content• Practical approach to research• New and improved support• Improved progression from AS to A2

Psychology | AS Structure

G541 Psychological InvestigationsLearners become familiar with four

techniques for collecting/analysing data: Self-report experiment, observation and correlation.

They can conduct their own small investigations and make a record of their activities if they wish

G542 Core StudiesLearners build knowledge and

understanding of 15 psychology studies/ They demonstrate evaluation skills and an

appreciation of wider psychological approaches/perspectives, theories, issues and debates. They make comparisons and

distinctions between core studies and examine the broader context of general

debates within psychology.

Teaching units and Assessment

method and weighting

Psychology | A2 Structure

G543 Options in Applied PsychologyLearners have the opportunity to

study two areas of applied psychology from four options: Forensic

Psychology, Health and Clinical Psychology, Psychology of Education

and Psychology of Sport and Exercise.

G544 Approaches and research methods in Psychology

This unit is made up of two parts:•Research methods (design of a practical

project•Structured questions bringing together

approaches, perspectives, methods, issues and debates covered throughout the course.

Teaching units and Assessment

method and weighting

Stretch and Challenge

Stretch and Challenge is a new QCA initiative for A Levels:• Included in A2 assessment• Reflected in the style of question asked which invite a greater variety of

thinking• Questions are structured to show more connections between different

sections of the specification• Extended writing is encouraged in all subjects (except Maths0• A wider range of question types – like case studies and open ended

questions• More synoptic assessments – exploring connections between different

areas and levels of a subject

What’s in it for you?

• Logical and practical to teach• Provides opportunity to use a

variety of interesting and motivating stimuli in the classroom

• Access to exciting new and improved support

• Happy and interested learners• Easy to administer• Enjoyable and rewarding to

deliver

What’s in it for your learners?

• Interesting and captivating course• Opportunity to be ‘Psychologists’,

and learn about research by doing research

• Opportunity to study applied areas of Psychology at A2 that most interest them

• Stretch and challenge opportunities for most able learners

What’s in it for your school?

• More learner enrolments

• Good progression routes into HE/FE

• Deliver a course offering solid transferable skills

New and Improved Support

BPS Resources• Free resources mapped to

the OCR specification• Articles related to core

studies• News and interviews with

Psychologists featured in the OCR specification

• Wider reading

New and Improved Support

Our support:• More INSET• Overarching scheme of work• Individual lesson plans for

each unit• Teacher Guidance

Document• Coursework consultancy• Guide to what has changed• Past papers available on line

New and Improved Support

OCR E-community• E forum of practicing

teachers and examiners• Share resources and

ideas with peers• Access advice from

fellow teachers and examiners

New and Improved Support

New core studies posters• Free of charge via OCR

website• Introduces each core study• Covers key topics and

themes• Sponsored by BPS

New and Improved Support

Heinemann Resources• AS & A2 student books• Free exam café CD ROM in

every book• Planning and delivery packs

for teachers• Includes CD ROM of

interactive materials, videos and activities

• Revision guides

Next Steps

• Book training/events - www.ocr.org.uk/training

• Bookmark website for further information/future updates – www.ocr.org.uk

Other qualifications•GCSE Psychology

•GCSE and A Level Sociology•A Level Critical Thinking