Psychology 

“The mind thinks thoughts that we cannot plan.”

Anon

Welcome to the Psychology subject page. Below you will find a breakdown of each year group, including what is taught, how we assess, what enrichment opportunities there are and what can be expected in terms of homework. If you need any further information, please contact the Head of Department, Miss Cavilla, at kcavilla@cromwell.cambs.sch.uk.

Psychology Curriculum Map - Year 10 to Year 13 

Homework

Homework is set on a regular basis by the class teacher and can be accessed by logging into your Arbor account. 

Here are links to websites to enhance your learning: 

YEAR 10

YEAR 11

Ability Grouping

Psychology is taught in mixed ability groups.

Teaching Staff

Curriculum 

Key Stage 4

AQA GCSE Psychology 8182

What will I study? 

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour.  It is concerned with trying to understand and explain how people feel, think and act.  In order to do this, it considers research conducted by psychologists on people and animals.  The course will enable you to have a better understanding of how people think and behave in the way they do. 

The course is divided into two sections: 

Cognition and behaviour:

• Memory
• Perception
• Development
• Research methods

Social context and behaviour

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

How will I learn? 

Psychology is a demanding course which introduces you to ideas and concepts which you have not previously studied.  You will learn through a range of learning experiences from individual research, class discussion, group work, practical activities, use of ICT, presentations, videos and more formal written assignments. 

How will I be assessed? 

There is no coursework.  Assessment is by exam at the end of Year 11.   

You will complete two papers: 

Paper 1: Cognition and behaviour

Paper 2: Social context and behaviour 

Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes long, each worth 50% of the GCSE grade.  You will be examined in your ability to recall, apply and interpret the information studied. 

Both exams have a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extending writing questions. 

Click here to view the GCSE Psychology exam specification 

Will there be any independent study? 

There will be regular independent study to complete as part of the course. 

Where can this course take me? 

Psychology as a subject at GCSE can lead to a number of vocations. If taken at A level and degree there are more options including: clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, educational psychologist, forensic psychologist, health psychologist, neuropsychologist, occupational psychologist, sport and exercise psychologist, teachers and researchers in psychology.

Key Stage 5

AQA A-Level Psychology (7182)

Psychology is one of the most popular A Levels in the country and will appeal to anyone with an interest in the mind and how it works. Psychologists attempt to describe and explain a variety of human behaviours, and during the course we will be addressing questions such as: Can we rely on our memories? What effect do hormones have on our behaviour? What is normal/abnormal behaviour? 

The A Level course consists of three papers, taken at the end of the two year course, examining the following topics: 

• Memory Attachment, Social Influence & Psychopathology
• Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology & Research Methods
• Cognition Development, Schizophrenia, Aggression 

N.B: 10% of the exam marks will come from maths related questions. 

Psychology A Level supports students looking to pursue careers in counselling, nursing, or psychologists. You could also specialise in a particular area of psychology such as education or mental health 

Examination Board: AQA

Click here to view the A Level Psychology exam specification