GCSE psychology

Why Study Psychology?
Psychology offers students a valuable opportunity to explore how people think, feel, and behave with skills that are increasingly important in today’s world. At Buxton School, our GCSE Psychology course helps young people develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. These skills not only support academic success but also prepare students for a wide range of future careers in health, education, business, and beyond.

What Will I Learn?
Students will explore key psychological approaches and theories, including the work of influential figures such as Freud, Piaget, and Eysenck. They will examine how behaviour is shaped through the Social Learning Theory and investigate topics like memory, development, and mental health. The course also introduces students to research methods, helping them understand how psychological studies are designed and analysed. Alongside this, they will be introduced to psychological terms and concepts, encouraging them to think critically about the relationship between behaviour and society.

Component 01: Studies and applications in psychology 1

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 

50% of qualification 

This component covers the following topic areas: 

• Criminal psychology
• Development

• Psychological problems.

• The research methods focus on designing an investigation.

A written assessment with a mix of short answer, structured questions and extended response questions, all compulsory. The extended response questions will require students to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and/or understanding from across the relevant specification content. 

Component 02: Studies and applications in psychology 2

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 

50% of qualification 

This component covers the following topic areas: 

• Social influence
• Memory

• Sleep and dreaming.

• The research methods relate to a novel source.

In each component, students study two core studies, through with they develop knowledge and understanding of the five core areas of psychology:

• Biological
• Cognitive
• Social
• Developmental
• Individual differences.

Skills Required
GCSE Psychology encourages students to think critically, analyse evidence, and interpret human behaviour through scientific investigation. Students should be prepared to engage with psychological theories and research, apply key terminology accurately, and evaluate different perspectives. Strong literacy skills are important for writing structured arguments, while basic numeracy supports understanding of data and research methods. Curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore complex ideas are key to success in this subject.

Assessment objectives:

The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives. 

AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures 

AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures 

AO3 Analyse and evaluate psychological information, ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions

Homework 

Homework is set once a week with a variety of tasks set including consolidation of classwork. 

Assessment - Examination papers  

Examination papers are taken in May/June of Year 11

Exam Board 

OCR

Grading, awarding and reporting 

GCSE qualifications are reported on a nine-point scale from 1 to 9, where 9 is the highest grade. Results not attaining the minimum strand for the award will be reported as U (unclassified) 

What Makes a Good Psychology Student?
A good psychology student is curious about human behaviour and eager to understand why people think and act the way they do. They are open-minded, reflective, and willing to consider different viewpoints. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to analyse information critically are essential. Students who enjoy asking questions, exploring ideas, and making connections between theory and real-life situations tend to thrive in GCSE Psychology.

What Careers Might It Lead To?
Studying GCSE Psychology can open the door to a wide range of future careers. It provides a strong foundation for roles in mental health, education, social work, counselling, and clinical psychology. The analytical and communication skills developed are also highly valued in fields such as law, business, marketing, and human resources. Whether students pursue psychology further or apply its principles in other areas, it offers valuable insights into people and behaviour that are useful in almost any profession.