GCSE Psychology

Psychology GCSE



QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
As with all GCSE courses the desire to progress to C grade and above in this subject is essential. A profile of D and C passes in GCSEs already taken is required.

LENGTH OF COURSE
One year.

WHERE NEXT?
A large percentage of the department†s students at GCSE level progress onto the advanced level course to study Psychology and related disciplines. Psychology is the largest growing subject in the Post 16 area and this popularity is very likely to continue. The course gives students an ideal grounding in the understanding and study of humans, whether or not they chose to take this further.

INTRODUCTION
Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour of humans and animals. As individuals and groups we operate in many different ways, these are studied in order to arrive at theory and predictions for future actions and events.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The GCSE level course aims to introduce the student and give them a general grounding to the major thinkers, theories and approaches that have developed in the subject area during the previous 120 years.

CONTENT
Paper one - 40% of the assessment

This includes:
1. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY The influence of others on behaviour. This is studied through two topics:
a) Social influence.
b) Environment and Behaviour.
2. BEHAVIOURAL PSYCHOLOGY How our behaviour changes as a results of learning. This is studied through two topics:
a) Phobias.
b) Aggression.
3. DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY How our behaviour changes as we age. This is studies through two topics:
a) Attachment.
b) Cognitive development.

Paper two 40% of the assessment

This includes:
1. INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES This is studied by looking at:
a) Morality
b) Prejudice
2. COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY The study of mental processes. This is studied by looking at:
a) Memory
b) Perception
3. BIO- PSYCHOLOGY
a) Stress
b) Sex and gender

COURSEWORK
20% - one report of a piece of research to be handed in, in April.

GCSE ASSESSMENT Paper 1 - (40%)
Paper 2 - (40%)
Paper 3 - One Piece of coursework completed by April (20%)

HOW WILL I STUDY?
The department uses a variety of teaching and learning styles that include lectures, group-work, self supported study, use of IT, CD-ROMS etc. Extensive use is made of textbooks, handouts, lecture notes, IT facilities and other human beings.

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