Psychology

What does GCSE Psychology offer me?

This engaging and effective qualification introduces you to the fundamentals of psychology, developing critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills. You will develop these important transferable skills, whilst studying a wide range of fascinating topics within the field of Psychology. If you’re interested in human behaviour, then the GCSE Psychology course will help you to understand human behaviour and what compels people to make the decisions they do. Psychology is one of the most interesting and dynamic scientific fields in the world currently. This is in part due to the growing awareness of mental health issues. This course will therefore allow you to gain both understanding of and empathy for others.

What does the course entail?

AQA Specification (8182) - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/gcse/psychology-8182/

Paper 1: Cognition and behaviour

Paper 2: Social context and behaviour

What’s assessed

S Section A: Memory

Section B: Perception

Section C: Development

Section D: Research methods

Section A: Social influence

Section B: Language, thought and communication

Section C: Brain and neuropsychology

Section D: 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

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

100 marks (25 marks per section)

50% of GCSE

How it’s assessed

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

100 marks (25 marks per section)

50% of GCSE

Question style

Multiple choice, short answer and extended writingMultiple choice, short answer and extended writing

Beyond GCSE

While the course covers a range of topics, you will be introduced to a greater field at A Level, should you wish to continue to study this subject. You can then build on this knowledge, leading towards a number of exciting career opportunities including: Clinical psychologist, Counselling psychologist, Educational psychologist, Forensic psychologist, Occupational psychologist. The expertise that you will possess as a graduate psychologist will assist you in a range of sectors, including mental health, social work, education, business and marketing, as well as sport and fitness.

Curriculum Enrichment

At the beginning of the GCSE course all students are issued with the AQA Psychology for GCSE textbook by Illuminate Publishing. This not only provides you with key content and evaluation of topics studied but also offers additional examination style questions, along with model answers and examiner feedback and commentary. In addition, students are encouraged to borrow the wide range of Psychology literature from the school Library. Throughout the course, students are recommended to watch relevant documentaries and programmes relating to the syllabus. In the future we hope to take GCSE Psychology students on Psychology-related trips and visits in order to enhance their learning.