GCSE Psychology
Course contact: Mrs S Manchester - smanchester@rbhs.co.uk
Specification: GCSE
Course Outline
GCSE Psychology is a single GCSE that comprises of study into an understanding of why people behave the way that they do. It will help you to understand what is going on around you and how you can put some of the knowledge gained into practice; such as memory techniques to improve study skills, which will also help in other subjects.
A key aspect of Psychology that underlies its scientific nature is that of its research methods. This element of the course will be taught alongside the areas referred to below and includes the experimental method, observations and correlational analysis. Students will therefore be conducting their own mini investigations.
What will I study?
You will learn about memory and what makes a good witness, how you perceive images, how visual illusions work, why do people obey authority? How children develop in their thinking, mental illness including Depression & Addiction and how we treat them, and finally how to study psychology using experiments, surveys, and observations- including carrying out your own research.
How will I be assessed?
GCSE Psychology is 100% exam based. You will sit two exams at the end of Year 11, including:
- Paper 1 – 50% of the qualification. Topics covered include; Criminal psychology, Development, Psychological problems & Research methods
- Paper 2 – 50% of the qualification. Topics covered include Memory, Social Influence & Sleep and Dreaming and Research Methods
What could I do afterwards?
GCSE Psychology provides an excellent foundation to continue the subject further into A-level and beyond.
Psychology fits well with Sciences, Child Care, Humanities, Drama, Maths and Business, which are all offered here at RBHS. In fact, it fits well with almost any subject!
Studying Psychology is of importance to anyone wishing to pursue a career in the psychological side of health care, criminal justice system, businesses and other organisations, sport psychology, criminal psychology and educational psychology.
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