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  1. Home
  2. Subjects
  3. Psychology
  4. GCSE Psychology

GCSE Psychology8182

SpecificationPlanning resourcesTeaching resourcesAssessment resourcesKey dates
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Specification at a glance
3.0 Subject content
3.1 Cognition and behaviour
3.2 Social context and behaviour
4.0 Scheme of assessment
5.0 General administration
Appendix – mathematical requirements
GCSE Psychology Specification Specification for first teaching in 2017

GCSE Psychology Specification Specification for first teaching in 2017

22 Dec 2016

PDF | 683.58 KB

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©AQA 2025 | Company number: 03644723 | Registered office: Devas Street, Manchester, M15 6EX | AQA is not responsible for the content of external sites

AQA Education has obtained an injunction preventing interference with public examinations. This notice is to alert you to the injunction, so that you are aware of it and can make submissions about it if you wish to do so.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Psychology

This engaging and effective qualification introduces students to the fundamentals of psychology, developing critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills.

Building on the success of our previous specification we’ve refreshed the topics and introduced the latest advances in the subject. We gained feedback from teachers to ensure it’s as clear, engaging and easy-to-use as possible.

  • You’ll see many familiar and popular topics from our previous specification, which means you can continue to use many of your existing resources.
  • Our assessments use multiple choice, short answer and extended writing/essays to assess knowledge, understanding, application and evaluation skills.

Knowledge of research methods gained through classroom experience of practical psychology will be assessed using scenario-based questions.

You can find out about all our Psychology qualifications at aqa.org.uk/psychology

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

1.2.1 Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/8182 to see all our teaching resources. They include:

  • flexible schemes of work to help you plan for course delivery in your own way
  • specimen assessment materials that will give your students a clear idea of what is expected in the exams
  • training courses to help you deliver AQA Psychology qualifications
  • subject expertise courses for all teachers, from newly qualified teachers who are just getting started to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/8182 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

  • past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports
  • Exampro: a searchable bank of past AQA exam questions
  • example student answers with examiner commentaries.

Analyse your students' results with Data Insights

We've replaced Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA) with a new platform – Data Insights. It does the same things as ERA – and more.

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. Data Insights, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/data-insights

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Time in the classroom is precious, but we understand that as your career develops, the skills and knowledge you need may change. As well as subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.

  • Feedback sessions to understand how students have performed in this year’s exams.
  • Virtual communities where you can chat to teachers in your subject area about what’s important to you.

This is just the start. Our events calendar is full of different ways for you to learn, understand and be inspired. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/professional-development .

Help and support

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/8182

If you'd like us to share news and information about this qualification, sign up for emails and updates at aqa.org.uk/from-2017

Alternatively, you can call or email our subject team direct.

E: psychology@aqa.org.uk

T: 01483 477 822

2.0 Specification at a glance