Cambridge International AS and A Level

*Course available from September 2020, for first exams in June 2022. 

Course structure

The course covers the following topics:

Year 1 - AS Level

• Research methods
• The biological approach
• The cognitive approach
• The learning approach
• The social approach
• Introducing the A Level specialist options

Year 2 - A Level only 

• Specialist option: Abnormality
• Specialist option: Consumer behaviour
• Revision and exam preparation
• Issues and debates

In each year there is also time for revision and trial examinations. (This course does not cover the specialist options of Health or Organisations.)

Activities and assessments

The course includes the following activities: readings that explore the key concepts, 12 core research studies and the research supporting the specialist options. In addition to this there are regular quizzes, self-assessments and marked written assignments. Teachers will review and grade assignments during the course. Some assignments require peer review and collaboration. There are also unit discussions to support students with each topic.

The final examination consists of four externally-assessed papers:

• Paper 1—1 hour 30 minutes, 50% AS/25% AL, structured questions on approaches
• Paper 2—1 hour 30 minutes, 50% AS/25% AL, structured questions on research methods
• Paper 3—1 hour 30 minutes, 25% AL, structured questions and an essay on the theory of the specialist options
• Paper 4—1 hour 30 minutes, 25% AL, structured questions and an essay on the application of the specialist options

Advice from our teachers

In order to succeed in International AS and A Level Psychology, we recommend students set aside ten to fifteen hours a week to study. It is important that students regularly keep up with the readings and the course activities in a timely manner. And that they contact their Pamoja teacher if they fall behind or need help with assignments.

Minimum entry requirements

To successfully study Cambridge International AS and A Level with us, students need to have attained:

• a grade C (or grade 4) and above in IGCSE English and Mathematics (or the equivalent in an internationally recognised qualification).
• No previous knowledge of Psychology is required, but an interest in exploring psychological research and applications is essential.

It is the school’s responsibility to ensure that the student has met these minimum entry requirements. Pamoja Taught courses and Pamoja teachers assume that these minimum entry requirements have been met and the student therefore has the necessary foundational knowledge and ability to work at the pace required by the course.

Benefits for students

Taking International AS and A Level Psychology will enable students to:

• become experienced in a wide range of technical and social tools
• develop skills like time management, communication and digital literacy