Psychology GCSE

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Psychology GCSE

• The scientific study of mind and behaviour. • One option – five lessons per fortnight. • 6 topics taught over two years, covering 5 approaches to psychology: Social, Developmental, Cognitive, Bio-psychology and Individual Differences.

Studies and applications in Psychology 1 • Criminal Psychology • Development

?• Psychological Problems Studies and applications in Psychology 2 • Social Influence • Memory • Sleep and Dreaming

There will also be a research methods section within each component. For Paper 1 the focus will be on designing an investigation and for Paper 2 the assessment will focus on analysing and evaluating a novel source. Specific research ? methods content may also be assessed within the topic areas, as well as students’ understanding of neuropsychology and mathematical skills.

Exam Board: OCR

How the course is assessed

Two written papers – each is worth 50% and lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Only one tier of entry – no foundation/higher papers.

Suitable Candidates

Students should be aware that Psychology is linguistically challenging – they will need to have good written literacy skills to obtain a good grade.

Students will need to learn lots of new vocabulary and details of

?theories and studies, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. To do well in Psychology students need good revision skills, independence, organisation and motivation. Good understanding of scientific method and basic maths is needed.

Post 16 Progression Routes

A Level Psychology Psychology GCSE is not a prerequisite for Psychology A Level. Psychology is a useful subject for a number of careers, particularly those that involve working with people. Students have progressed from Psychology GCSE to nursing, teaching, social work, work in the police and prison service, and many forms of office work.

Student Comments

“It’s fun learning why people behave the way they do.”

“It’s such an interesting subject; I want to be a Psychologist one day.”?