GCSE Psychology (AQA)
Please use this link to access the video presentation. Your child will need to log in using their school email address and password.
WHY STUDY PSYCHOLOGY?
Psychology is an exciting subject covering content relevant to everyday life. GCSE Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, and this course will give you a sound understanding of topics in psychology at an introductory level.
DESCRIPTION OF COURSE
Years 10 and 11 – GCSE Psychology (AQA)
The topics students will study include:
Development: Early brain development in the womb focuses on high-level scientific neural structures in the womb. Looking at the reasons behind the development of children. Study psychologists are revolutionising teaching, Carol Dweck and the growth mindset.
Memory: This includes theories of how our memory works and the differences between short and long-term memory. Memory gives you new and innovative revision strategies to bolster your GCSE exam practice. We also study eyewitness testimony and how people can be given false memories in unforgiving circumstances.
Brain and Neuropsychology: Delve into the complexities of the human brain, not just its functions and brain scanning, but what can go wrong when neurological damage is sustained, ranging from stroke to concussion from the sport.
Perception: From sensory deprivation torture studies to optical illusions. Perception is how we experience the world, and we will be looking at how to manipulate the viewpoint of others.
Psychological Problems: From the coldest isolation of depression to the hot flashes of bipolar, all the way to the gutter of addiction, covering explanations and the therapies used to treat them.
Social Influence: This topic includes areas of study such as conformity and the factors that turn everyday people into people who have committed the most villainous crimes. Mob behaviours and why we riot. Obedience to the law and people in powerful positions, but also how situations can lead to good outcomes in Pro-social Psychology.
Language, Thought and Communication: Ever wonder why we talk the way we do? Interested in how animals communicate (from dolphins to bees)? This topic takes us through various communication styles, from evolution to emoticons (emojis).
Research Methods: Understanding how psychologists conduct scientific investigations.
As the topics above suggest, Psychology is a subject for anyone interested in people and their behaviour. Psychology is a blend of scientific practice, social science, human intuition, and mathematical content. In Psychology, students will learn about relevant research and theories and develop their ability to analyse, evaluate, think critically, conduct investigations and write reports. The GCSE is also a strong basis for progression to A Level.
HOW WILL STUDENTS BE ASSESSED
There is no coursework in the GCSE Psychology course.
There will be two examinations:
1 hour 30 minutes each, both taken at the end of year 11
CAREERS LINKS
The above-mentioned skills are transferable and relevant to any career or further study. Psychology is both relevant and useful for any career that involves other people. This would include a psychologist (clinical or educational), the education sector, business, research, sport, health and social care, public services, marketing, public relations, management and human resources.
Further information on this specification is available from the qualification website:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/gcse/psychology-8182