Full Name of Specification
GCSE Psychology
Exam board specification link
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/gcse
What is GCSE Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal behaviour, and psychologists are interested in trying to discover why people behave the way they do, whether these behaviours are normal or abnormal. By using scientific methods, we attempt to explain how the mind works and why people behave in the way that they do.
Psychology is the study of thought and behaviour, a wide field of study which investigates the backgrounds of human behaviour. Psychology is a science and as such it balances scientific rigour with a flexibility and creativity of approach not found in older sciences.
Why study this course?
Psychology at GCSE provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of how psychology works; its essential role in society and through this, an awareness of why psychology matters.
What can you expect from this course?
Students learn to:
- know and understand psychological concepts, terminology, objectives, the integrated nature of psychology in the real world and the impact of psychology on individuals, the wider societyand across cultures.
- apply knowledge and understanding of psychological research and theories across topics in psychology.
- develop ability to write effectively through extended writing.
- develop as effective and independent students, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.
- Understand research methods and be able to apply this knowledge across the subject to be able to evaluate and analyse research in an effective way.
- develop and apply ability to interpret and analyse data, drawing relevant conclusions.
You will develop a range of valuable skills, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.
How is it assessed?
What’s assessed
- Memory
- Perception
- Development
- Research methods
Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics.
How it’s assessed
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks
- 50% of GCSE
Questions
Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
Section D: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
Paper 2: Social context and behaviour
What’s assessed
- Social influence
- Language, thought and communication
- Brain and neuropsychology
- Psychological problems
Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics.
How it’s assessed
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks
- 50% of GCSE
Questions
Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
Section D: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
How will this prepare me?
GCSE Psychology is the study of human behaviour and thinking and this qualification prepares students for their next steps after GCSE in a number of different ways. It allows students to understand research and how research evidence can be applied in the real world to improve the quality of life, particularly those who are suffering. Students develop their analytical thinking and learn how research can be evaluated highlighting the strengths and limitations. The study of research methods provides students with a good foundation that will support their studies at A Level, not on in psychology, but in a number of different subject areas. Many of the topics taught at GCSE level are also found in the A level specification therefore provides GCSE students with the foundation knowledge needed to go on and study the subject in more depth at A Level and beyond.
Jobs directly related to a psychology degree include:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counselling psychologist
- Educational Psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Teacher
- Health psychologist
- High Intensity Therapist
- Occupational Psychologist
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
- Sport and Exercise Psychologist
Jobs where a psychology degree would be useful include:
- Advice Worker
- Careers Adviser
- Counsellor
- Detective
- Human Resources Offices
- Life Coach
- Market Researcher
- Play Therapist
- Psychotherapist
What will I study?
The GCSE Psychology curriculum begins with the Paper 1 Memory Topic. This topic allows students to get to grips with the subject and the research elements to develop an understanding of studies and theories in research. In this topic students learn 2 key studies, a model of memory (MSM) and a key theory. This allows students to develop an understanding of the GCSE and what learning is required at GCSE level. In year 10 students will also complete the research methods topic by Christmas. This topic threads its way through all the others and this is the reason it is taught so early on in the course. Students need to grasp the key terms in research methods and develop a clear understanding of how research is designed.
The last two paper 1 topic are taught throughout the remainder of year 10 to Easter (Perception and Development). Once all 4 paper 1 topics are complete students have a structured revision plan that allows them to learn effective revision techniques for this subject raining their confidence in preparation for their end of year PPEs. Year 10 students will sit end of year PPEs in June/July – a full paper 1.
In year 11 students will begin with the psychological problem’s topic followed by social influence, language thought and communication and lastly Brain and Neuropsychology. The Language, thought and communication topic incorporates elements of the perception topic I year 10. Likewise, the Brain and neuropsychology topic covers elements of the development topic covered in year 10. The course will be completed by February half term which enables students to sit a full paper 1 and 2 PPE after half term. This allows them, for the first time, to receive an overall mark across both papers. The remainder of the academic year students will receive a detailed run in plan to their exams where revision in carefully planned and structured to allow for hard thinking and retrieval practice along with exam skill preparation.
Additional activities within this subject
Opportunities for trips and visits
Teachers
Mrs Small