Psychology GCSE
Do our dreams have meaning? Why do we have phobias?
These are just some of the questions GCSE Psychology aims to answer.
Psychology is about the study of human, and to some extent, animal behaviour. The discipline contains many schools of thought that offer different answers to the question of what it is to be human. For example, at the social level you will learn that our behaviour is influenced by others. At the biological level, our perceptions of the world may be heavily influenced by the anatomy of our eyes.
Psychology is a scientific subject and you will be expected to develop your mathematical skills. You will also be expected to participate in and conduct experiments and research.
Psychology GCSE is a demanding but rewarding course, with externally set examinations in January and June. In both units you will be given the opportunity to take part in, and carry out real psychological research to explore theories studied in more detail. .
Entry Requirements
You will need to have at least one of the following:
- A BTEC foundation Certificate in a related subject
- A minimum of 4 GCSEs at least grade D, with 2 grade Cs in exam based subjects
- Other related level 1 and level 2 qualifications
As well as previous experience or a keen motivation to learn. Students without qualifications may apply through diagnostic tests.
All students must complete a free writing exercise as part of the admissions requirement.
Course Content
GCSE Psychology (Edexcel) is made up of two units (Unit 1 worth 40% and Unit 2 worth 60% of your GCSE grade).
GCSE Unit 1 – (Assessed by exam – Exam available in January and Summer Term)
Topic A: How do we see our world?
Topic B: Is dreaming meaningful?
This unit is designed to introduce two of the basic concepts of Psychology. Firstly you will study research on human perception, the human eye and illusions, drawing on biological and cognitive psychology. The unit then progresses to examine Freud’s dream theory and biological theories of dreaming.
GCSE Unit 2 – (Assessed by exam – Exam available in Summer Term)
Topic C: Do TV and video games affect young people’s behaviour?
Topic D: Why do we have phobias?
Topic E: Are criminals born or made?
This unit is designed to introduce three further areas of research in Psychology including the causes of aggression including the media, biological and social explanations. The unit also considers social learning, conditioning and evolutionary causes of phobias. Finally learners will examine the debate surrounding criminals – are they born or made?
Method of Assessment
GCSE Unit 1: The exam paper for this unit consists of multiple-choice and short-answer questions, and lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is worth 40% of the total GCSE.
GCSE Unit 2: The exam paper consists of multiple choice questions, short answers and some extended writing and lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is worth 60% of the total GCSE.