Entry requirementsNo previous study is required to access any of our GCSE courses, but they do require basic literacy and numeracy skills. Before studying any A Level, we recommend that you have the equivalent of a GCSE in English at grade C or above and that you have achieved the same subject GCSE at grade C or equivalent. For example, if you wish to study A Level Maths, you should have achieved the equivalent of a GCSE in Maths at grade C or above.
Academic titleGCSE courses are available in a variety of subjects and they are by far the most common qualification taken by students wanting to gain a firm understanding of a topic.
Virtually all candidates take GCSEs in English, Mathematics and Science. In addition, many careers also require that students take English literature and at least one modern foreign language, while also favouring students to have at least one social science.
Course descriptionAre you fascinated by the role of human emotion, personality and behaviour? In many aspects of our daily lives, psychology attempts to understand questions like these. As well as leading to a qualification that will be invaluable in the area of business and communications, the GCSE course will help you develop a better understanding of what makes us tick.
Gain an insight into the amazing world of psychology. Discover some of the techniques psychologists use to develop a better understanding of how our minds work. The scope of the course is wide-ranging, covering everything from cognitive psychology to social behaviour.
Study Time
To complete this course it will take in the region of 100 study hours which can be spread over a 12 month period to suit the student.
Support and Benefits
o Flexible terms times
o Stepped learning approach
o Access to a dedicated ICS tutor to mentor and motivate you throughout
o Access to the ICS online Student Community, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library
Key Topics
o Cognitive Psychology
o Social Psychology
o Developmental Psychology
o Pro & Anti Social Behaviour
o Research Methods
Further Reading and Book List
You will be provided with advice and a list of titles if required once you purchase your course.
Grading
At the end of the GCSE course, each student receives a grade for each subject. The pass grades, from highest to lowest, are:
A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G
GCSEs are part of the National Qualifications Framework. A GCSE at grades D–G is a Level 1 qualification, while a GCSE at grades A*–C is a Level 2 qualification. Those who fail a course are given a U (unclassified). Students can also receive an X grade which signifies that they have only completed part of the course or key elements such as coursework are missing and so an appropriate mark cannot be given.
Structure
In many subjects, there are two different 'tiers' of examination offered:
Higher, where students can achieve grades A*–D
Foundation, where they can achieve grades C–G
If a candidate fails to obtain a G on the foundation tier or a D on the higher tier they will fail the course and receive a U (though there is a safety net allowing those who narrowly miss a D on the higher tier to receive an E). In non-tiered subjects, the examination paper allows candidates to achieve any grade. Coursework also always allows candidates to achieve any grade.
Results
Students receive the results of their GCSEs in the fourth week of August (the week after A Level results). CCEA publish their results on the Tuesday and the other examination boards publish theirs on the Thursday. Normally, students have to go to their school to collect their results, although Edexcel allow for the option of an online results service whereby results are posted online.