WELCOME BACK TO THE START OF A NEW ACADEMIC YEAR. I hope you all had an enjoyable and restful summer break. Autumn term is without a doubt the toughest and most challenging of the year.

Deb Gajic

However, I do always start the year enthusiastically and really enjoy getting to know my new students. I’m actively looking forward to the challenges of teaching a new A2 specification. I’ve found PsychExchange invaluable for sourcing new and inspirational resources and ideas – www.psychexchange.co.uk

Those of you who were able to attend the Annual ATP Conference at Exeter will agree that the conference was one of the best ever – Phil Banyard did a marvellous job. The programme was very full, relevant and inspiring. Once my hangover wore off, I felt I had gained an awful lot from the conference. Once again I was gratified to see what a committed, professional, enthusiastic, caring and friendly bunch psychology teachers are. For those of you who have never attended an ATP Conference, you are missing a treat; it really is the best value CPD on offer for Psychology teachers. Next year’s conference will be at Brunel University – go to www.atpconference.org.uk for more details.

It’s all change here at the ATP, I’m sure you will have noticed that the new look newsletter is fabulous and will go from strength to strength under the editorship of Laura Rudd. Laura has some great ideas of what she would like to do in the future. Please support her by letting her know your thoughts and of course, submitting articles and items. The website has also undergone a comprehensive overhaul. The new webmasters are Mark Holah and Jamie Davies, who are also the brains behind the wonderful PsychExchange. If you haven’t already, please have a look and register at www.theatp.org – the invitation code is ‘atpmember’. We welcome constructive feedback and ideas for the website. Whilst you are there please check that your personal details are up to date, you will be able to amend them online, and any queries please contact the membership secretary, Wendy Wood at membership@theatp.org

If you know of any Members who are not receiving their ATP newsletter, it is probably because we haven’t got an up-to-date contact address for them, again please ask them to contact Wendy.  We really need Members’ e-mail addresses as this is a much easier and efficient way of contacting them, so either register on the website or e-mail Wendy direct.

After the success of the annual conference, many Members were asking for one-day events throughout the year. We are currently planning an NQT/New to teaching Psychology day, details of which will be posted on the website soon. We would also like to offer Regional events if there is sufficient demand. If you are interested in becoming part of a regional group please contact Jeff Standen –standen.jeff@gmail.com – or join the discussion on the website forums.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any ideas or comments about how the ATP can best serve its Members. I wish you all a productive term and don’t forget the work/life balance!

Deb Gajic
d.gajic@sky.com