Psychology
Our Vision
Our vision is to nurture, grow and develop students’ interest in Psychology, providing them with a strong foundation of knowledge alongside theoretical and research-based skills. The Psychology curriculum builds on knowledge and skills taught in other subjects, allowing students to use previous knowledge to make fresh connections in a new and challenging environment.
Key Stage 4
OCR Psychology is designed for learners who are interested in Psychology and want an introduction to this social science. In component one, learners will investigate the nature and nuture debate in relation to Criminal Psychology. This area of component one takes an in depth look into the possible reasons behind criminal behaviour and how society can begin to reduce criminal activity through psychology. Learners will also look at different stages of development within the human brain. This will include development of the brain structure and functions and the nervous system alongside the changing role of education in Psychology. Component one includes a study of mental health awareness and psychological illness. This topic considers different types of mental illness and the impact it can have on individuals as well as society.
Throughout component two learners will investigate how behaviour is impacted by different social factors. These factors include collective or crowd behaviour, and how obedience of society when enforced by authority figures can be used in social situations. In addition, learners will develop an understanding of how memory works. This topic considers how the structure of the brain allows us to remember certain events but also how 'forgetting' takes place. The final aspect of component two is to study sleep and dreaming. Included in this will be the investigation of the features, functions and benefits of sleep. Learners will develop an understanding of how sleep leads to emotional and physical wellbeing. Sleep disorders and the reasons for vivid dreams will also be discussed.
Both components will look at psychological studies and evaluate how reliable or effective these studies are when considering a specific hypothesis.
Assessment
Psychology is offered as a GCSE qualification and is assessed across two separate components:
- Component 1: Criminal Psychology, Development and Development. 50% of total grade. (1 hour 30 minute exam)
- Component 2: Memory, Social Influence and Sleep and Dreaming. 50% of total grade (1 hour 30 minute exam)