GCSE Psychology

Introduction

This engaging and exciting course introduces students to the fundamentals of psychology, helping them to develop critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills.

Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes, procedures and theories. The topics studied within the course cover a variety of fields within Psychology, including: different explanations of how memory works and why we forget, how illusions work and why people follow orders.

Candidates should acquire an essential knowledge and understanding of psychological thoughts and methods, as well as learning to apply their knowledge and skills.

Students are introduced to a range of challenging concepts beyond the confines of the specification to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills and to give them an insight in to Psychology at a broader level, including is eyewitness testimony reliable?

How is the course examined?

Students follow a linear course over 2 years with 2 written papers, both units are worth 50%.

Unit 1 (50%)

• Research Methods
• Development
• Memory
• Perception

Unit 2 (50%)

• Social Influence
• Brain and Neuroscience
• Psychological Problems
• Language, thought and communication

How is the course graded?

The course is graded with GCSE grades 1 to 9.

Equipment

Pen, Pencil, Ruler, Highlighter, Calculator. Students also have access to an online textbook and a variety of different online resources to support their learning.

Homework

Homework includes a range of different activities, including past papers, revision clocks, and research.

Learning outside of the classroom