Psychology

Psychology is an interesting and relevant course that will help you to understand the complexities of human behaviour and help to achieve your career ambitions.  Psychology aims to establish causes for human behaviour by considering the role of biology and the role of the environment, thus focusing on one of the key psychological debates: Nature Vs Nurture.  Students will have the opportunity to engage in a range of psychological debates as well as conduct their own research in an attempt to find answers.

From September 2017, the WJEC confirmed that they are no longer offering psychology at GCSE.  Therefore, students studying psychology at GCSE will follow the AQA course and will be awarded a grade between 9-1.

Paper 1 - Cognition and Behaviour:

Content Overview:

  • Memory
  • Perception
  • Development
  • Research methods

Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics.

How it's assessed: 

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 
100 marks 
50% of GCSE

Questions:

  • Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
  • Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
  • Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
  • Section D: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)

Paper 2 - Social Context and Behaviour:

Content Overview:

  • Social influence
  • Language, thought and communication
  • Brain and neuropsychology
  • Psychological problems

Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics. 

How it's assessed: 

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 
100 marks 
50% of GCSE 
Questions:

  • Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
  • Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
  • Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)
  • Section D: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (25 marks)

 

Careers

Students of psychology pursue careers in law, psychiatry, teaching, health care, forensics, research, and other related professions.   All employers like their employees to be able to empathise with others and to form good working relationships, and these are skills that we promote within psychology.