Social Sciences
Psychology
Curriculum Intent
GCSE Psychology introduces scholars to psychology, critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills. Scholars will develop knowledge and understanding of key psychological ideas, processes, procedures and theories. Thus, allowing scholars the chance to develop an understanding of self and others, and how psychological understanding can help to explain everyday behaviour.
The key skills learnt by scholars through GCSE psychology are as follows:
- Analytical skills
- Ability to develop arguments and form conclusions
- Understanding and explaining psychological theories and concepts
Year 10
Scholars will be introduced to knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures. Scholars will be taught how to evaluate therapies and treatments for specific behaviours in terms of their appropriateness and effectiveness. Additionally, they will explore how psychological knowledge and ideas change over time and how these inform our understanding of behaviour. This will have a direct link to the impact of individual, social and cultural diversity.
Year 11
Scholars will further deepen their knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures. Additionally, they will explore how psychological knowledge and ideas change over time and how these inform our understanding of social settings. This will have a direct link to the impact of individual, social and cultural diversity with relation to conformity, obedience and authority. Scholars will also have knowledge and understanding of research methods – practical research skills and mathematical skills. These skills will be developed by studying the specification content and through ethical, practical research activities, such as:
- Designing research
- Conducting research
- Analysing and interpretating data
GCSE Psychology (Exam Board: AQA)
Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour
What is assessed:
- Memory
- Perception
- Development
- Research methods
How it is assessed:
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks
- 50% of GCSE
Paper 2: Social Context and Behaviour
What is assessed:
- Social Influence
- Language, thought and communication
- Brain and neuropsychology
- Psychological problems
How it is assessed:
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks
- 50% of GCSE
Useful Links
AQA Psychology Simply Psychology BBC Bitesize - Psychology
Sociology
Curriculum Intent
GCSE Sociology scholars gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification.
Scholars will develop their analytical, assimilation and communication skills by comparing and contrasting perspectives on a variety of social issues, developing arguments and making judgements by drawing on reasoned conclusion.
Scholars will develop transferrable skills including the following:
- Investigating facts
- Developing opinions and new ideas of society
- Analysing and constructing better a better understanding of the social world
Year 10
Scholars will be introduced to the fundamental principles of Sociology, through studying key figures such as Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim. They will then delve into the ways in which we gain knowledge through research - interviews, observations and questionnaires in particular. Scholars will then apply their understanding to the study of education and family life.
Year 11
Scholars will build upon their learning in Y10 to explain patterns of crime in the UK, and social stratification (the ways in which we decide who is important) within society. They will develop an excellent understanding of how every aspect of our lives comes together to create our own circumstances, and how all of this relates to the world around us.
GCSE Sociology (Exam Board: AQA)
Paper 1: Sociology of the family and education system
What is assessed:
- The sociology of families
- The sociology of education
- Relevant areas of social theory and methodology
How it is assessed:
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks
- 50% of GCSE
Paper 2: The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification
What is assessed:
- The sociology of crime and deviance
- The sociology of social stratification
- Relevant areas of social theory and methodology
How it is assessed:
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks
- 50% of GCSE
Useful Links
AQA Past Papers AQA - Sociology Revise Sociology BBC Bitesize - Sociology