GCSE Psychology
exam board: AQA
A two-year programme developing knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills across a rich variety of psychological topics and landmark studies in the field.
Students explore psychological understanding of human behaviour and the research methods that underpin it. They study real-world applications of psychological theory, evaluate evidence critically, and develop the scientific literacy needed to succeed in their written examinations. Skills are developed through a communicative, enquiry-based approach structured around the two examination papers: Paper 1: Cognition and Development and Paper 2: Social Context and Behaviour.
Year 10
| topic knowledge | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
memory An exploration of how we take in, store and recall information — and why memory isn’t as reliable as we think. You’ll learn why cramming before an exam is less effective than spaced revision, and why eyewitness testimony can be surprisingly unreliable. perception An investigation into how our brains make sense of what our eyes see — and why they sometimes get it wrong. From optical illusions to the role of past experience, you’ll discover that what we “see” is as much a construction of the brain as it is a reflection of reality. development An exploration of how the mind grows — from brain formation in the womb to why a growth mindset matters more than natural talent. Piaget’s famous stages of childhood thinking are covered alongside Dweck’s research on praise and resilience. resarch methods An introduction to the science behind psychology — how researchers design fair, ethical studies and what makes evidence trustworthy. This content threads through both exam papers, so a strong grasp of it here pays dividends across everything else. |
Year 11
| topic knowledge | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
social influence A look at how powerfully other people shape our behaviour — often without us realising. From Milgram’s shocking obedience experiments to the psychology of crowds, this unit challenges assumptions about free will and individual choice. language, thought & communication An examination of whether the language we speak shapes the way we think — and what makes humans unique communicators. You’ll also consider how much of our body language is instinct versus learned behaviour. brain and neuropsychology A guided tour of the human nervous system and the brain itself — which regions control what, how neurons fire and communicate, and what happens when things go wrong through injury or stroke. You’ll also look at the scanning technologies doctors use today. psychological problems An honest and thoughtful look at mental health, depression and addiction — what causes them, how they’re diagnosed, and what treatments work. This topic often prompts valuable conversations about wellbeing beyond the classroom. Exam Preparation & exams |
All candidates sit two externally assessed GCSE exam papers at the end of Year 11 and are eligible for grades 9–1.
Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour
Four sections, each with multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions (25 marks each).
Memory, Perception, Development and Research Methods.
Paper 2: Social Context and Behaviour
Four sections, each with multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions (25 marks each).
Social Influence, Language Thought and Communication, Brain and Neuropsychology, and Psychological Problems.