GCSE Psychology
Subject Leader: Mrs K Skinner
Email: skinnerk@lytchett.org.uk
What are the aims of the course?
To offer an engaging and effective introduction to psychology. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and have the opportunity to learn how to analyse arguments and evidence, test hypotheses and make informed judgements – all of which are skills valued by higher education institutions and employers.
Why study GCSE Psychology?
What makes people behave the way they do? How do people function physically and mentally? Is our behaviour a result of biology or our upbringing? If you are interested in finding out the answers to questions like these, then you may want choose to study Psychology. Psychology will help you understand the different views and explanations which have been put forward to answer these questions. Psychology is a subject relevant to everyone’s daily life, which is why it has become so popular with students.
What is the content of the course?
2 examinations at the end of 2 year course. There is no course work element. Questions will range from multiple choice through to extended writing – essay questions.
Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour
Written exam: 1hr 45
100 marks
50% of GCSE grade
In paper 1 you will study 4 modules:
Memory
Perception
Development
Research Methods
Paper 2: Social Context and Behaviour
Written exam: 1hr 45
100 marks
50% of GCSE grade
In paper 2 you will study 4 modules:
Social influence
Language, thought and communication
Brain and neuropsychology
Psychological problems
Throughout each module students will learn key theories and studies as well as having the opportunity to carry out small practical projects in these areas.
GCSE Curriculum Overview Year 10
GCSE Curriculum Overview Year 11
Which students would this course suit?
…those who have a logical, reflective and scientific enquiring mind
…those who are independent and have good literacy skills (essay writing is required)
….those who enjoy biological science (the nervous and endocrine systems, along with the brain will all be studied in some detail).
…those who enjoy reading as wider reading will be part of this course
…those who have sound mathematical skills (data handling, arithmetic and numeracy skills are part of the specification and will be examined)
…those who wish to acquire understanding of how Psychology works
Where could this qualification lead?
This course is for any student who wishes to work with people in the future. It will be very beneficial for students who are thinking about careers in: Education, Health, Legal (for example, police/forensic/rehabilitation), Social Work, Counselling, Research, Sports Coaching, Media (advertising). To find out more about careers in psychology please go to the British Psychological Society website (www.bps.org.uk) or see Mrs Skinner or Miss Atkins.