Faculty: Humanities
Subject: GCSE Psychology
Subject Leader: Mrs Bond
Staff and Responsibility: Mrs Bond and Miss Perkins
Subject Overview
Exam Board: OCR
Qualification: GCSE Psychology (J203)
Assessment Model: 100% examination
About the course:
The study of Psychology is relevant to students’ own development and behaviour, which in turn, helps them to understand the behaviours of others. Studying GCSE Psychology enables students to develop as inquisitive and curious learners through questions such as, why do we chunk information to remember more or what are the benefits of sleep? Pertinent questions which can be better understood through the study of psychology. GCSE Psychology overlaps with many other GCSE options whilst allowing pupils to cover a range of complex issues not covered elsewhere in the curriculum. In the OCR GCSE there is a focus on mental health, which encourages greater awareness in young people and can therefore reduce stigma and discrimination for those with mental health conditions.
Course Content:
Throughout the course, students study various psychological ideas, processes, techniques and procedures within the following topics:
- Development
- Memory
- Psychological Problems
- Social influence
- The Brain and Neuropsychology
- Criminal Psychology
- Sleep and Dreaming
- Research Methods
In each component, students study two core studies, through with they develop knowledge and understanding of the five core areas of psychology:
- Biological
- Cognitive
- Social
- Developmental
- Individual differences.
Each component also includes a section on research methods.
Assessment:
For the full two-year GCSE course, there will be two papers at the end of Year 11, each lasting 90 minutes. Each paper is worth 90 marks and has an equal weighting towards the end grade. All papers consist of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and extended essay questions. Students are assessed on their knowledge, analysis and evaluation skills.
You should consider this course if you:
Appreciate critical thinking, want a better understanding of your own behaviour and the behaviour of others, are keen to interpret and analyse data and enjoy applying your knowledge to the real world.
Potential Career Options:
| Teacher | Health care professional | Social worker | Therapist/Counsellor |
| Psychologist | Marketing consultant | Lawyer | Criminologist |
| Business & HR mangement | Mental health practitioner | Police officer | Probation & parole officer |
