Psychology

Students follow the Edexcel GCSE Psychology curriculum, sitting 2 papers at the end of Year 11: Paper 1 is 1 hour 45 minutes (55% of the qualification) and Paper 2 is 1 hour and 20 minutes (45% of the qualification, with 10% being made up of maths skills). Research methods are covered throughout the 2 year course and are assessed primarily in paper 2, however students can use their knowledge of research methods to aid answering questions in paper 1. It is important to note that psychology requires the use of mathematical skill for handling data in investigations, therefore mathematical skills that students will learn as part of the KS3 and KS4 Mathematics curriculum are assessed within the research method content of the course (Paper 2).

The units covered across Paper 1 and Paper 2 are as follows:

Paper 1 – covered in Year 10

  • Development – How do you develop?
  • Memory – How does your memory work?
  • Psychological problems – How would psychological problems affect you?
  • The brain and neuropsychology – How does your brain affect you?
  • Social influence – How do others affect you?

Paper 2 – covered in Year 11

  • Criminal Psychology – Why do people become criminals?
  • Sleep and dreaming – Why do you need to sleep and dream?
  • Research methods (covered in Year 10 and Year 11)