Psychology

Name of Head of Department

Miss L Wilkinson, BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQSL

Statement of Intent

At Devonport High School for Girls, we take a scientific approach to the study of Psychology, with the overall aim of using our psychological knowledge and understanding to have a positive impact on the world around us. Upon completion of the GCSE Psychology course, students will:

understand and be able to explain the influence of the many and varying factors that affect human behaviour as well as being mindful of the complex interaction between these factors;
be able to apply psychological knowledge and understanding to explain real-life situations as well as offering practical strategies and advice based on this knowledge and understanding;
be able to analyse both quantitative and qualitative data to draw logical conclusions;
be able to critically appraise even the most academic and scientific research;
be able to express themselves clearly and concisely using appropriate subject specific terminology;
appreciate the value of psychology in a wide variety of workplace settings and in our personal lives.

We achieve this by building on:

prior learning from lower school Science and Mathematics, e.g., cells, hypotheses, calculating percentages and means;
students’ own experiences, e.g., conforming to fashions, different types of memories and obedience to teachers/parents;
historical events e.g., the holocaust.
more recent societal changes, e.g., increasing awareness of mental health issues and the 2024 UK riots;
practical experiences, e.g., designing and carrying out research and assessing visual illusions.

Curriculum Programmes of Study

GCSE Course Outline: 3-year model (4 pp fortnight)

Year	Cycle	Content
Year 9	Cycle 1	Memory and research methods
	Cycle 2	Research Methods
	Cycle 3	Research Methods and Perception
Year 10	Cycle 1	Development
	Cycle 2	Social influence
	Cycle 3	Language, thought and communication
Year 11	Cycle 1	Brain and neuropsychology
	Cycle 2	Psychological problems
	Cycle 3	Revision and Exams

GCSE Course Outline: 2-year model (5 pp fortnight)

Year	Cycle	Content

Year 10	Cycle 1	Memory and Research Methods
	Cycle 2	Research Methods and Perception
	Cycle 3	Perception and Development
Year 11	Cycle 1	Social influence and Language, thought and perception
	Cycle 2	Brain and Neuropsychology and Psychological Problems
	Cycle 3	Revision and Exams

Middle Years Exam and Specification Information

100% exam – both exams sat at the end of year 11

Paper 1 – Cognition and Behaviour – 1 hour 45 mins
Paper 2 – Social context and behaviour – 1 hour 45 minutes

Both papers contain a mix of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes, and procedures, as well as their ability to apply these concepts to unseen situations in the exam. They are also assessed on their ability to analyse and evaluate psychological information, ideas, processes and procedures to make judgments and draw conclusions.

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website Psychology GCSE

Extra-curricular activities

Brain Day – with Dr Guy Sutton (neuroscientist) including brain dissection (November 2026)
Possible visits to Plymouth University/The Brain Imaging and Research Centre at Derriford.

Devonport High School For Girls