2021 6th Form 12PP Prospectus WEB - Magazine - Page 10
Criminology
WJEC - A Level
Criminology explores the fascinating world of crime, criminal behaviour and the
justice system. This course combines elements of sociology, psychology and law,
giving students a broad understanding of how and why crimes happen, how society
responds and how laws are created and enforced.
Assessment is through a mix of coursework and exams, making it ideal for students
who enjoy both practical research and written analysis. Criminology supports
progression into careers or further study in criminal justice, law, policing, forensic
psychology and social work.
The course will develop key academic, analytical and vocational skills including
critical thinking, data analysis, debating, creating materials and extended writing.
Course Topics:
• Causes of Crime – Explore why people commit crimes, including psychological
and sociological explanations.
• Crime and the Media – Examine how crime is represented in the media and its
influence on public perception.
• The Criminal Justice Process – Learn how criminal cases are investigated,
prosecuted and brought to trial.
• Crime Prevention and Punishment – Study methods of crime prevention, types
of punishment and the role of institutions like the police and courts.
Course Breakdown
This two-year course comprises of
four units weighted 25% each:
Year 12
Unit 1: Changing awareness of
crime (internal)
Unit 2: Criminological theories
(external)
Year 13
Unit 3: Crime scene to courtroom
(internal)
Unit 4: Crime and punishment
(external)
Psychology
AQA - A Level
Psychology explores the human mind and behaviour, asking why we think, feel
and act the way we do. The course draws on scientific research and real-world
applications, helping students understand individual and social behaviour from
multiple perspectives. From memory and attachment to mental health and forensic
psychology, Psychology offers fascinating insights into the human experience.
Assessment is entirely exam-based, making it well-suited to students who enjoy
applying theories, evaluating evidence and developing structured arguments.
Psychology supports progression into careers such as clinical psychology,
counselling, education, social work, human resources, health and research.
The course develops valuable transferable skills including critical thinking, essay
writing, research methods, data analysis and evaluation.
Course Topics:
• Social Influence & Memory – Conformity, obedience, forgetting and eyewitness
testimony.
• Attachment & Development – How early relationships shape behaviour.
• Psychopathology – Disorders such as depression, OCD and phobias.
• Approaches & Biopsychology – Key theories and how the brain affects
behaviour.
• Research Methods – Designing studies and analysing data.
• Debates & Optional Topics – Nature vs nurture, plus forensic psychology,
schizophrenia and gender.
Course Breakdown
This two-year course is assessed
at the end of Year 13. Students sit
three papers, each 2 hours long
and worth 96 marks. Each paper is
equally weighted at 33.3%.
• Paper 1: Introductory Topics in
Psychology – Covers social
influence, memory, attachment
and psychopathology.
• Paper 2: Psychology in Context
– Focuses on approaches in
psychology, biopsychology and
research methods.
• Paper 3: Issues and Options in
Psychology – Explores debates
in psychology and optional topics
such as forensic psychology,
schizophrenia, or gender.
