Psychology GCSE

Psychology GCSE

Course Length

One-year.

The course

Psychology is the study of the operation and functioning of the mind/brain, in all its aspects, in relation to our dealings with other human beings and our own selves. It is a subject that is relevant to understanding human behaviour in everyday life. It involves a critical understanding of cultural, social, scientific, and ethical issues. The course is highly structured. Each topic involves key concepts, theories and explanations, research studies and real life application of the research. This new GCSE has also been developed with mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness to provide a course with a focus on mental health which encourages greater awareness of these issues. There is a course textbook designed by the Board to work in conjunction with the course.

You study two units. Unit 01 (Studies and Applications in Psychology 1) looks at Criminal Psychology, Development, Psychological Problems and Research Methods. Unit 02 (Studies and Applications in Psychology 2) looks at Social Influence, Memory, Sleep and Dreaming and Research Methods.

What skills do I need?

You need good literacy skills, an ability to understand scientific concepts and skills in Mathematics.

How is the course assessed?

There are two examination papers- one for each of the units. The papers last 1 hour 30 minutes and are worth 50% of the marks each. A minimum of 20% of the overall marks in both components are for the assessment of Research Methods, and a minimum of 10% of the overall marks are targeted at the assessment of Mathematics related to Research Methods.

Reading

OCR GCSE (9-1) Psychology
By Mark Billingham and Helen J. Kitching
Published by Hodder Education ISBN-13: 978-1471899577

My Revision Notes: OCR GCSE (9-1) Psychology
By Mark Billingham; Hodder Education
ISBN-13: 978-1510423220

Exam Board and Specification Codes

OCR J203

Konstantinos Foskolos
Head of Department