Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It is a new science, which seeks to explain a range of human behaviours and processes, as well as seeking to establish the causes and treatment of mental illness. 

Studying Psychology helps students to understand themselves and others. They will learn the causes of behaviour and how to change them. It also develops higher level skills, including application, analysis and evaluation.

Students will learn how to present psychological information, develop arguments and draw conclusions through a critical approach to psychological evidence, developing as reflective thinkers. Students will also learn how psychological research is conducted, the role of scientific method and data analysis.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Psychology is taught in mixed ability classes, by specialist teachers. Students are taught in a range of ways: from teacher led explanations, to student led presentations, and whole class experiments. Students are supported and challenged as needed, with additional support offered during lunch, afterschool and school holidays.  At GCSE, we use the AQA examining board.

What will students learn?

Year 10

Year 11

Term 1

  • Memory
  • Perception

 

Term 2

  • Research Methods

 

Term 3

  • Social Influence

Term 1

  • Psychological Problems
  • Development

 

Term 2

  • Language, Thought and Communication
  • Brain and Neuropsychology

 

Term 3

  • Revision and exam practice

 

 

How is the course assessed?

Students are exclusively assessed by exams at the end of year 11. There are two exams; each comprises of 4 topics, is 1 hour 45 mins and is worth 50% of their overall GCSE Psychology grade. Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding, application, and evaluation of psychological theories, explanations and treatments.

Students sit mid-topic and end of topic mocks assessment for each topic of the course. Students are given both formative and summative feedback, and have the opportunity to re-sit their mock to demonstrate progress following feedback.

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