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TheATP.org » Recent Topics http://www.theatp.org/forum/ The Association for the Teaching of Psychology en Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:13:40 +0000 David Dunn on "Head of Psychology wanted" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/head-of-psychology-wanted#post-206 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:21:08 +0000 David Dunn 206@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Applications are invited for the post of Head of Psychology at this leading independent school. Visit our website on <a href="http://www.yarmschool.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.yarmschool.org</a> and click on vacancies. Closes 24th January. For further details contact <a href="mailto:dmd@yarmschool.org">dmd@yarmschool.org</a> Nicholas on "New website: www.psychologyzone.co.uk" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/new-website-wwwpsychologyzonecouk#post-203 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:18:12 +0000 Nicholas 203@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Hello, I have created a website (free) which has resources, such as Activity Worksheets, Exam Study Notes, Exam Questions, Model answers, Multiple Choice Questions etc. It is still in its embryonic stages, However, unit 1 is generally complete - has all the exam notes (students may find helpful) and teaching resources. Check the updates for latest uploads. <a href="http://www.psychologyzone.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.psychologyzone.co.uk</a> I hope this may be useful to some! Thank you Nick Deb Gajic on "Initial Teacher Training and Psychology e-petition" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/initial-teacher-training-and-psychology-e-petition#post-200 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:47:40 +0000 Deb Gajic 200@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ <a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/25535" rel="nofollow">http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/25535</a> HM Government e-petitions <a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/</a> Please sign this petition The following is the letter we sent Mr Gove: - Dear Secretary of State, Initial Teacher Training and Psychology We are writing to you today to express our concern about some aspects of your plans for Initial Teacher Training. The recent announcement by the TDA shows that the government is committed to investing in the best quality graduates as trainee teachers. We support this approach but we are extremely disappointed to see that this commitment does not appear to extend to psychology graduates. According to the information in the ITT plan, psychology is ‘a non-priority’ subject and therefore trainees would not be eligible for a bursary. Future trainees will in effect be penalised for choosing psychology, as they will need to find up to £9000 for fees on top of living expenses in order to train. Psychology is the only science subject not to have been designated a priority subject, and therefore not to attract a bursary. We are unclear as to why this is the case, especially at a time when the uptake of science subjects by young people in the UK is a concern. It is now the fourth most popular A-level subject with over 56,000 sitting the psychology exam in 2011 (JCQ, Joint Council for Qualifications,www.jcq.org.uk. 2011), compared to just 275 candidates when the exam was first set in 1972. The European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA), to which the European Federation of Psychology Teachers’ Associations (EFPTA) is affiliated, recently hosted a conference at the European Parliament in Brussels. The aim of this event was to demonstrate the importance of the role of psychology in promoting the health and well-being of European citizens, and Professor Robert Roe (President of EFPA) made it absolutely clear to the Members of the European Parliament that psychology teachers make a significant contribution by encouraging young people to explore issues such as understanding how they learn, the importance of healthy life-styles and how to achieve self-regulation. There are clearly significant economic benefits attached to any improvements that can be made in relation to these issues. It is indeed interesting that Finland is referred to in the White Paper as a nation of educational excellence and in that country psychology is a compulsory subject for students aged 16-19. Despite the small numbers of available places, the role of the PGCE in psychology has been crucial to improving the quality teaching in many schools across the country. It is therefore essential that PGCE courses are able to attract high calibre trainees to ensure that improvements in the subject continue. We are also puzzled why some other non-National Curriculum subjects, including Classics and Economics, have been designated ‘priority’ subjects when psychology, has not. There is a danger that this “down-grading” combined with a lack of a bursary for those looking to train, may be interpreted in some quarters as a lack of Government understanding of psychology, ahead of the publication of the National Curriculum review proposals. Your neglect of psychology education in schools is particularly hard to understand, in view of your Government’s own initiative in setting up the Behavioural Insight Team (BIT), whose aim is to find ‘intelligent ways to encourage, support and enable people to make better choices for themselves’. That is precisely one of the aims that psychology teachers in schools and colleges have been quietly pursuing for years. Yet, whilst you invest financially in the application of psychological principles in the form of the BIT, you are withdrawing financial support for psychology education in schools. This makes no sense. Through high quality psychology teaching students develop essential transferable skills which enhance learning and achievement in other subjects as well as those which can encourage them to make healthier choices of life-style and become critically confident citizens. This is particularly important at a time when the educational performance of our children appears to be falling in relation to those in other countries, and when the effects of health related illness is costing the taxpayer enormous amounts of money. Children and young people in this country deserve the best quality psychology education and the best quality psychology teachers. We urge you to reconsider this policy and demonstrate that the government believes this too. We look forward to hearing from you on this matter. Yours sincerely, Deb Gajic Chair of the Association for the Teaching of Psychology MsD on "Advice for PGCE in Psychology" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/advice-for-pgce-in-psychology#post-198 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:31:28 +0000 MsD 198@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Hi Forum members, I am interested in pursuing a career as a Psychology teacher. Would any of you be willing to provide any advice or guidance concerning gaining admission to a PGCE in Psychology, (i.e. how to stand out from the list of excellent candidates). Additionally, what skills, abilities and qualities do schools and colleges seek in Psychology/Social Science staff? Thank you for your time. Deb Gajic on "Assessment only route to QTS" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/assessment-only-route-to-qts#post-147 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:29:21 +0000 Deb Gajic 147@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Assessment Only route: requirements and guidance June 2011 Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Education The Assessment Only (AO) route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the Primary and Secondary Sectors. This is a new route to QTS for very experienced graduate teachers*. It is not a teacher training route. The AO route will initially run from September 2011 to July 2012. The route will suit those teachers who do not have QTS but who have taught in at least two schools or colleges: maintained schools as instructors further education independent schools or as overseas-trained teachers (OTTs)** Candidates will produce a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate that they have met all of the QTS standards. Candidates will need to be currently engaged in a teaching role at the point of application or able to secure their own placement in a suitable school setting for the duration of the assessment process. Following successful application and selection, candidates will be expected to complete the assessment process in one term. This means that candidates wishing to make an application should be in a position whereby they are already meeting the majority of standards Once accepted, candidates will register with the GTC(E) and undertake the required skills tests. Notes: *It is an assessment only route;; in many cases more experience might be required **certain countries may be exempt from the current four year regulation: please check TDA website Assessment Only Requirements 1. Selection and initial needs assessment requirements Candidates must;; be graduates holding a UK first degree or equivalent qualification (secondary candidates must hold a degree containing at least 50 % of the subject they wish to teach or considerable experience of teaching the subject in Key Stage 4);; have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics, and that all who are assessed in settings that include pupils aged 3-11 additionally have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examination in a science subject;; have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure check and/or any other appropriate background checks;; have considerable experience of teaching the English curriculum in two or more settings and across two or more consecutive age ranges;; # have the active support of a school willing to provide an appropriate assessed placement environment and mentor support. # to include substantial experience of whole-class planning, teaching, assessment and reporting to parents. Experiences must the sufficiently broad and sustained to have prepared candidates to meet the full QTS standards with guidance available at: <a href="http://www.tda.gov.uk/trainee-teacher/qts-standards.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.tda.gov.uk/trainee-teacher/qts-standards.aspx</a> Assessment Only route: requirements and guidance June 2011 2. Initial assessment requirements: Candidates are initially assessed to confirm that they: have the intellectual and academic capacities needed to meet the required QTS standards;; possess appropriate qualities, attitudes and values expected of a teacher;; can read effectively and be able to communicate clearly and accurately in Standard English;; 3. Assessment and experience requirements Assessment of teaching requirement: the process of assessment includes the assessment of practical teaching in a school. A school is defined as: A maintained school A non-maintained specialist school A City Technology college A City Technology college for the Technology or the Arts An Academy An independent school A further education institution Sixth form college Other settings (this may include schools or other settings outside England) with the exception of pupil referral units. Two school requirement: Candidates to have taught in at least two schools prior to being assessed against QTS standards. Evidence from the first school can be used. Age range requirement: all candidates recommended for the award have been assessed as meeting the QTS standards across two or more consecutive age ranges selected from the following: Ages 3-5 Foundation Stage Ages 5-7 School years 1-2 Ages 7-9 School years 3-4 Ages 9-11 School years 5-6 Ages 11-14 School years 7-9 Ages 14-16 School years 10-11 Ages 16-19 School years 12-13 Induction requirement: all those who are assessed and recommended for QTS are informed about the relevant statutory arrangements for the induction of newly-qualified teachers. School support for candidate requirement: It is intended that support for candidates, once registered, will be provided by a suitably provide a school-based mentor will be a condition of acceptance on the scheme. The school- based mentor will be expected to meet the candidate weekly to support portfolio development and to undertake lesson observations on the Assessed Practice. The mentor will also be expected to support the candidate in addressing any professional development targets established through the Initial Assessment and during the Assessed Practice. How to apply for the Assessment Only route. A. Initial Application Complete the Application Form, available from IOE website <a href="http://www.ioe.mmu.ac.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.ioe.mmu.ac.uk</a> The application should include as much detail as possible about your teaching experience (which can include paid employment and unpaid/voluntary roles) to allow us to judge your suitability for this route. Assessment Only route: requirements and guidance June 2011 You will need to provide evidence of how you meet selection criteria, together with details of a school willing to host the assessed placement. References: It is very important that one of the referees is your current employer (e.g. Head Teacher). S/he will need to confirm in the reference that they are supportive of you application;; that they will continue to support you whilst you undertake your studies and that they commit to providing you with a suitable mentor. A sponsoring school may also offer you financial support to enable you to undertake the route. The application form is in two parts, both of which must be submitted together by email to <a href="mailto:direct@mmu.ac.uk">direct@mmu.ac.uk</a> for consideration. Please apply by September 30th 2011 for the first cohort;; (there is likely to be a second cohort starting in January 2012). B. Initial Assessment Stage Your application will then be judged against the application criteria and, if these are met, you will be invited to prepare a portfolio of evidence demonstrating the degree to which you meet the QTS standards. You will prepare a portfolio of evidence for Initial Assessment and submit this to the Student Life Office (MMU). The portfolio is evaluated by the application panel;; if your portfolio demonstrates that you have already met most of the QTS standards you will be invited to interview. Initial Assessment by interview: you will be interviewed by members of the panel as an individual and as part of a group. You will be asked about your recent and past teaching experience and undertake tasks to establish your levels of subject knowledge, your literacy skills and undergo identity checks. C. Recommendation for Progression to Assessed Placement with Development Targets;; The initial assessment will normally lead to a recommendation that the candidate is ready to progress to an Assessed Placement. The recommendation will include any appropriate professional development targets for the candidate to address prior to and during the placement. If a significant gap in evidence against the QTS Standards is identified candidates will be required to defer the assessed placement until they are able to provide further evidence. D. Assessed Practice with observation of teaching. Normally a twelve week period of assessed teaching practice will be undertaken in the sponsoring school. Candidates will be required to and traineeso maintain a full file of evidence of planning, assessment and evaluation. Lesson observations with feedback will also be required. One or more lesson observations will be undertaken jointly with a suitable experienced professional who is external to the school. A member of the University partnership will observe the candidate teaching provide feedback on progress, scrutinise documentation and discuss the E. Final Review and Recommendation for QTS Towards the end of the assessed practice, a meeting will be arranged with the candidate, the school mentor and a member of the University Partnership will visit the school to make a decision on the Award of QTS. The meeting will normally include the candidate presenting the completed portfolio of evidence of meeting the QTS standards and a discussion with the school mentor. Providing you have met all the QTS standards to a satisfactory standard, we will recommend you for the award of QTS. Assessment Only route: requirements and guidance June 2011 Funding: A fee of £1975* is payable by the candidate or their sponsor. This amount is due in two parts;; the first payment of £350.00 after the application has been assessed as appropriate to progress to the initial assessment stage (Stage B above);; the remainder (£1675) is due on acceptance to the assessed placement (Stage C above)** * The fee for candidates from overseas may be higher and will be confirmed on application. **There may be additional charges if additional support or placement experience is necessary. These will be negotiated in the light of particular circumstances. Fees: Initial recruitment, selection, assessment and construction of Individual Development Plan (per candidate) £ 350 Assessed placement negotiated /variable depending on school based support and if more than one candidate in school is undertaking the assessment-only route £1625 Contacts and Further Information: TDA website: <a href="http://www.tda.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.tda.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options.aspx</a> MMU contact: Jane Petrie <a href="mailto:j.petrie@mmu.ac.uk">j.petrie@mmu.ac.uk</a> or Helen Scott <a href="mailto:h.scott@mmu.ac.uk">h.scott@mmu.ac.uk</a> MMU IOE website <a href="http://www.ioe.mmu.ac.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.ioe.mmu.ac.uk</a> Please note we will hold information evenings as below: 14th September 2011 Crewe campus 5-6pm 21st September 2011 Didsbury campus 5-6pm If you would like to attend please email Freya Marshall who will send you details of the event: <a href="mailto:f.marshall@mmu.ac.uk">f.marshall@mmu.ac.uk</a> jamess2 on "AQA GCSE and A2 HELP!!!" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/aqa-gcse-and-a2-help#post-141 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:32:01 +0000 jamess2 141@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Hi I have been asked to set up AQA GCSE psychology to begin teaching in September 2011. I also been asked to set up AQA Sociology A-Level and teach psychology (AQA B) A2 for the first time! As I am the only psychology teacher in my school I am finding that my whole summer is slowly being taken by writing schemes, trying to put together resources etc for these subjects. If any one has any resources/ useful advice regarding these subjects I would be so grateful!!! Thanks Sam wilmari on "help as head of dept" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/help-as-head-of-dept#post-138 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:44:04 +0000 wilmari 138@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Hi all, I have just been appointed Head of Dept and this will be my first year of teaching Psych A-level. Any help and ideas as to how to effectively run a dept would be appreciated. I've been getting resources at Psychexchange and TES, also invested in some books and CD's. Any recommendations (our exam board is Edexcel) would be helpful! Thanks, Wilmari (London) Flanks on "Booster Courses" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/booster-courses#post-136 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:54:39 +0000 Flanks 136@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Hi There I am a qualified teacher who since qualifying has become a specialised SEN teacher. I am soon to be taking up a post teaching autistic pupils at a Further Education College, where I may well be asked to provide for Psychology teaching. My question is if anyone knows of a university which provides a 1 week booster course for the subject? I know most universities offer a booster course week for their PGCE students before the teacher training begins proper, however I am having trouble finding a university which does the booster course! Thanks for any help. Deb Gajic on "BPS Conference Bursaries" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/bps-conference-bursaries#post-135 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:49:38 +0000 Deb Gajic 135@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ PSYCHOLOGY EDUCATION BOARD PRE-TERTIARY LEVEL TEACHERS’ BURSARY FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2011 Bursaries are available to support up to 10 pre-tertiary level teachers to attend the Annual Conference. Each bursary consists of up to £204 to contribute towards the costs of the recipient to attend a single day at the conference, plus overnight accommodation at the conference venue, if required. Bursaries must be applied for by pre-tertiary level teachers on the appropriate form. They will be awarded providing the following conditions are met: 1 That the teacher is meeting the travel costs of attending the Conference themselves. 2 That the bona fides of the applicant are confirmed in a short statement of recommendation by a supervisor or Head of Department of the United Kingdom teaching establishment at which the teacher works. 3 That the applicant is willing to write a review on an aspect of the conference, as specified by the Standing Conference Committee PSYCHOLOGY EDUCATION BOARD PRE-TERTIARY LEVEL TEACHER BURSARY APPLICATION FORM I, (name in full) ................................................................................................ wish to apply for a Bursary to attend the following British Psychological Society Conference. Date.............................…………............ Venue.............…….............................................. and I confirm the following, that: 1 I am a pre-tertiary level teacher. 2 I have completed the application form to attend the Conference. 3 I would otherwise be paying to attend the Conference mainly (or entirely) from my own pocket, apart from the following small subsidy of: £..................……….….. from.....…………………………………...…..................... Signature: Date: Please ask your Supervisor or Head of Department to complete the following recommendation and to countersign this form which should then be returned to the Conference and Events Manager at the Leicester Office. I confirm that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information disclosed by the above applicant for a Pre-Tertiary Level Teacher Conference Bursary is true and correct. Moreover, I support his or her application for a Bursary for the following reasons: ............................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................................... Signature of Supervisor or Head of Department: Date: Teaching Establishment: St Andrews House, 48, Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7DR Tel: 0116 252 9555 Fax: 0116 255 7123 e-mail: <a href="mailto:ruth.raven@bps.org.uk">ruth.raven@bps.org.uk</a> bhopkins on "Changing from AQA to OCR" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/changing-from-aqa-to-ocr#post-133 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:38:03 +0000 bhopkins 133@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Does anyone have experience of changing psychology specification from AQA A to OCR? We are currently considering this and believe that the study focus of the OCR spec would enable our students to develop greater underpinning knowledge of research methods and approaches. The current AQA topic focus seems to disadvantage our weaker students. Anyone out there made this move and was it successful? Your experiences would really help in the decision making process, so thanks in advance. Deb Gajic on "QTLS" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/qtls#post-132 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:54:18 +0000 Deb Gajic 132@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ One positive thing that may come out of the Wolfe Report is an end to the confusion surrounding QTLS and QT status. Hopefully, a straight forward route can be established so those qualified in FE can teach in schools without the need to complete another PGCE! <a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6068636" rel="nofollow">http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6068636</a> Deb Gajic on "PGCE update from Karen Duffy" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/pgce-update-from-karen-duffy#post-131 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:05:16 +0000 Deb Gajic 131@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ The TDA have just released their allocations for PGCE psychology for the future . After our fight to actually get a PGCE , they have slashed the numbers by 50 % nationally ( we've all roughly gone from 10 places to 5) Also they have decided to slash the bursaries for psychology down to 0 ! ( even though 'other' science subjects are allocated £9k ) These students in the future will have to pay £6k to do a PGCE - we wonder just how many people will actually apply . We had over 200 talented psychology applicants this year for 10 places, who we had to reject and there are still significant numbers of schools who cant find a qualified psychology teacher . The PGCE community are exceptionally concerned what impact this will have on the quality of psychology teaching in the future. We as a community fought hard to achieve the status we have currently, only to have this taken away a year later Deb Gajic on "Researchers in residence - placements required." http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/researchers-in-residence-placements-required#post-130 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:45:14 +0000 Deb Gajic 130@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Researchers in Residence Psychology Placements These five researchers are looking for a 2-3 day placement in a local school. They can help psychology teachers with practical activities, team teaching, project work, starting a psychology club, talks about careers in research or anything else you can think of! They have all been trained in communication skills and CRB checked. Researcher 1 - Location: Manchester Research Area: Health and gerontological psychology, currently working on psychiatric illness in long-term survivors of early childhood brain tumours. Researcher 2 - Location: Oxford Research Area: Writing difficulties encountered by children with dyslexia. Researcher 3 - Location: Stockport Research Area: Exploring the use of theoretically-driven experimental memory tasks in the evaluation of memory functioning in childhood survivors of medulloblastoma and child sufferers of Sickle Cell Disease. Researcher 4 - Location: Bangor Research Area: Working memory, priming, episodic memory, semantic memory, face perception, person recognition. Researcher 5 - Location: Cambridge Research Area: Exploring the relationship between emotion, cognition and mental health. For further details, please contact <a href="mailto:anthonyhardwicke@ase.org.uk">anthonyhardwicke@ase.org.uk</a> Researchers in Residence is available free of charge for all secondary schools in the UK. You can register at <a href="http://www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk</a> Deb Gajic on "A new free service from the British Psychological Society." http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/a-new-free-service-from-the-british-psychological-society#post-129 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:06:33 +0000 Deb Gajic 129@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ A new free service from the British Psychological Society. Visit <a href="http://www.bps.org.uk/the-society/organisation-and-governance/psychology-education-board/education-resources/keep-up-to-date/keep-up-to-date.cfm" rel="nofollow">http://www.bps.org.uk/the-society/organisation-and-governance/psychology-education-board/education-resources/keep-up-to-date/keep-up-to-date.cfm</a> to download an application form or contact <a href="mailto:kelly.auty@bps.org.uk">kelly.auty@bps.org.uk</a>. The Scheme includes: - 5 copies of The Psychologist magazine monthly Sets of new posters/resources on publication Bi-monthly e-newsletter for teachers Information on relevant conferences and events for teachers and students Information on relevant awards, grants and bursary schemes for teachers and students Access to information from the Division of Teachers and Researchers in Psychology Jonathan Firth on "Blog" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/blog#post-127 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:00:47 +0000 Jonathan Firth 127@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Hi, perhaps you'd like to have a look at my blog - lots of summaries of research, as well as info on TV, books etc (all on Psychology of course!) Thanks, Jonathan <a href="http://psychfragilethought.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://psychfragilethought.blogspot.com/</a> jan.wilde on "educational trip to Auschwitz" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/educational-trip-to-auschwitz#post-125 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:31:54 +0000 jan.wilde 125@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Has anybody organised a trip to Auschwitz for students recently? Importantly, does anybody have access to a Risk Assessment for Auschwitz as we are visiting in February. Can anyone help with this or other tips for our visit?? Mark Holah on "Student Psychology Forum" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/student-psychology-forum#post-124 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:19:40 +0000 Mark Holah 124@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ If any teachers do want to push their students towards a forum for psychology students please do let them know about <a href="http://www.psychshare.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.psychshare.co.uk</a> It is very new but should soon be very popular. From the makers of <a href="http://www.psychexchange.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.psychexchange.co.uk</a> Thanks Deb Gajic on "OCR Concerns about specification" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/ocr-concerns-about-specification#post-118 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 07:58:06 +0000 Deb Gajic 118@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ At conference a number of OCR teacher met and their concerns were compiled and sent to the subject officer (Fiona Breckenridge) at OCR. The outcome of this was the recent changes to G543 (2 hours and three out of four topics now guaranteed). I'm sure you will all agree that this is a fantastic result. Concerns have also been raised about AS Psychology, in particular G542. Please let me know your thoughts and suggestion for improvements and I will pass them on to OCR. Either reply to this thread or email me at <a href="mailto:d.gajic@sky.com">d.gajic@sky.com</a>. And of course contact Fiona directly at OCR. <a href="mailto:Fiona.breckenridge@ocr.org.uk">Fiona.breckenridge@ocr.org.uk</a> Together we can make a difference. Deb Gajic on "BPS Psychology Advocates for schools" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/bps-psychology-advocates-for-schools#post-120 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:04:31 +0000 Deb Gajic 120@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ The BPS has set up a database of University lecturers who are willing to give up their time (free of charge!) and come into schools and colleges and speak to students. This may be a general talk about Psychology at University or something more specific to their particular topic areas. To find out who is available near you click on this link. <a href="http://www.bps.org.uk/the-society/organisation-and-governance/psychology-education-board/education-resources/database-of-he-psychology-advocates-for-schools-%26-colleges/database-of-he-psychology-advocates.cfm">BPS Advocates</a> Vicki Richardson on "Behaviour management" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/behaviour-management#post-115 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 21:06:19 +0000 Vicki Richardson 115@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ I have just begun my PGCE in Social Science and have been given my first teaching practice at a sixth form college teaching A-Level Psychology and Sociology. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for behaviour management in a post 16 classroom? I imagine these would be very different in comparison to a secondary classroom. Any help would be most helpful! Jonathan Firth on "Curriculum for Excellence (Scotland) - views" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/curriculum-for-excellence-scotland-views#post-100 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:16:48 +0000 Jonathan Firth 100@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Particularly for teachers/FE lecturers in Scotland, I was wondering if anyone would like to share their views on the CforE changes which are just around the corner. As I understand it, Higher Psychology will remain, Intermediate 2 will be replaced by a new National 5 course, and Intermediate 1 will be scrapped but partially replaced with a general Social Sciences National 4. It is likely that course content and assessment will change significantly (the new courses are published in 2012 to start teaching in 2013 for National and 2014 for Higher). Also, Psychology (along with Sociology and Philosophy) have been put in the 'Health and Wellbeing' curriculum area - it is unclear what effect if any this will have on the new course content or skills. Update on SQA progress with the new qualifications available here: <a href="http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/42233.2636.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/42233.2636.html</a> jlanguyen on "Running a Department" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/running-a-department#post-102 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:26:38 +0000 jlanguyen 102@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Hi there, Just a quick note to ask for any advice as I have just got a job at a new school that has never taught Psychology before. I am recently NQT myself so any advice would be gratefully received. i.e a departmental handbook. Joe Deb Gajic on "Comparison of Exam Boards" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/comparison-of-exam-boards#post-111 Sat, 11 Sep 2010 11:25:08 +0000 Deb Gajic 111@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Cara Flanagan has posted a really useful comparison table on <a href="http://www.oxfordschoolblogs.co.uk/psychcompanion/blog/comparing-specifications-1081/" rel="nofollow">http://www.oxfordschoolblogs.co.uk/psychcompanion/blog/comparing-specifications-1081/</a> However, the fact that each board attracts slightly different cohorts does mean an exact comparison is not possible. But interesting reading nevertheless. Emma Shakespeare on "Gaining QTS/QTLS in Psychology" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/gaining-qtsqtls-in-psychology#post-35 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:15:18 +0000 Emma Shakespeare 35@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Please post any comments that you have about gaining QTS/QTLS/PGCE's/GTP below. We have found it very difficult to give advice on this topic since there are so many problems and the process differs between regions. What we do know is that you must have QTS (not QTLS) to teach in a secondary school and be paid as a qualified teacher. laura.rudd on "Following us on Twitter" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/following-us-on-twitter#post-65 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:17:21 +0000 laura.rudd 65@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ We now have a Twitter account (TheATP) Please feel free to follow us Thanks Laura Jamie Davies on "Getting your picture in your profile" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/getting-your-picture-in-your-profile#post-5 Mon, 04 May 2009 11:24:01 +0000 Jamie Davies 5@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Want the world to know who you are? If you want a lovely little picture next to your name then pop over to the Gravatar site and your picture will follow you all over the site. <a href="http://en.gravatar.com/site/signup" rel="nofollow">http://en.gravatar.com/site/signup</a> PS: It's free and fun :) Deb Gajic on "BPS E-News Teach" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/bps-e-news-teach#post-87 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:23:07 +0000 Deb Gajic 87@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ If you would like to subscribe to this termly BPS E-newsletter simply send a blank email to: - <a href="mailto:subscribe-bps-teach@lists.bps.org.uk">subscribe-bps-teach@lists.bps.org.uk</a> Kelly Auty BPS Jeff Standen on "Life beyond A-level" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/life-beyond-a-level#post-12 Tue, 19 May 2009 20:06:31 +0000 Jeff Standen 12@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ There is life beyond A-level you know. My college, like so many others I am hearing, is running down A-levels in nfavour of vocational courses. There ain't a lot of vocational psychology courses, but I find I am now becoming more focused on Access to HE courses. The demand for psychology is phenomenally high amongst Access students - at least around my neck of the woods. Anyone else out there teaching Access psychology? Deb Gajic on "BPS DTRP" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/bps-dtrp#post-52 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:38:14 +0000 Deb Gajic 52@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Dear ATP Members, The newsletter team are currently gathering contributions for the new Division for Teachers and Researchers in Psychology (DTRP) bumper newsletter. This bi-annual issue will be showcasing achievements, issues, research etc at all levels of academia and will be disseminated across the UK. We would like to invite members to contribute to this first issue. If you feel this is something you would like to get involved in please contact us (dtrp@bps.org.uk). We are flexible regarding content, which can relate to activities at an individual staff member level or a department level. This could be an update on research, or discussion of an issue within the teaching of Psychology at your institute or at a particular level of education. We already have a number of contributions from tutors within Higher Education, however, our network has the advantage of representing tutors at all levels of academia and we would very much like our publication to represent these varied groups. Please pass this communication on to anyone you feel maybe interested. We look forward to hearing from you. Stella Academic Assistant Division for Teachers and Researchers in Psychology The British Psychological Society <a href="mailto:dtrp@bps.org.uk">dtrp@bps.org.uk</a> <a href="http://www.bps.org.uk/dtrp" rel="nofollow">http://www.bps.org.uk/dtrp</a> laura.rudd on "Golden Hello - FE" http://www.theatp.org/forum/topic/golden-hello-fe#post-10 Tue, 19 May 2009 12:13:43 +0000 laura.rudd 10@http://www.theatp.org/forum/ Hi all I mentioned this before in the OCR community but i thought i would put this out on here to see what kind of response we can get. I have recently become able to apply for the FE Golden Hello and while this is not the reason to get into teaching, it does help in the current economic climate. When completing the application form, i noticed that social sciences was not accepted. Psychology as you may know, is now accepted as a science but i have been advised that they will not accept it as one and there is no point in applying. Feedback i have already had from other teachers of Psychology seem to follow a similar pattern. Does anyone have any experience regarding this? I am going to follow it up now that the AS exam is out of the way but i would appreciate anyone else's comments on this Thanks Laura