London
The Grange Fitzrovia Hotel
Wednesday 30 June 2010

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Course Description and Aims

This course will focus on the A2 level course for AQA specification A, considering how to deliver the course successfully.  There will be a special focus on the exam and lessons that can be learned from the first round of examinations.  In addition we will look at A2 resources, ideas for classroom activities and teaching issues.  This course will be suitable for all Psychology teachers – those who have taught the AQA (A) specification, those who are thinking of changing to the AQA (A) specification or those completely new to teaching AQA (A) Psychology or indeed new to teaching Psychology!

What are the benefits of attending this course?

By the end of the course delegates will have:

• Followed a thorough analysis of the examination following the first examination papers
• Received crucial, current feedback, ideally placed to improve student performance
• Worked with exemplar student work to fully engage with the latest mark schemes
• Developed key classroom practice to enhance grades

Who should attend?

All teachers of A2 Psychology following AQA, specification A

Resources & Materials

On arrival at this course you will receive a specially prepared file containing detailed notes, teaching materials and resources which will be of immediate practical benefit in the classroom.

Course Leader: Cara Flanagan

Cara Flanagan is a widely published author, experienced teacher and senior examiner.  She speaks regularly at student conferences and is well-respected as a presenter at teacher INSET courses.  Her books include The Complete Companion series co-written with Mike Cardwell, as well as a series of books on research methods.

Programme

10.00 – 10.30am: The specification

• An overview of the A2 specification and a reminder of some of the new features
• Problems encountered during this year – a discussion

10.30 – 11.30pm: The Unit 3 exam: Topics in Psychology

• A review of the exam questions from this year for Unit 3
• Feedback from examiners
• The A2 mark schemes and some marking exercises

11.30 – 11.50am: Discussion: coffee break

11.50 – 1.00pm: The Unit 4 exam: Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods

• A review of the exam questions from this year for Unit 4
• Further marking exercise
• A2 resources – sharing ideas

1.00 – 2.00pm: Lunch and informal discussion

2.00 – 3.00pm: How Science Works and Research Methods

• How Science Works: the scientific method, desirability of science, peer review process
• Probability and significance, including Type 1 and 2 errors
• Inferential statistics – how to choose which test to use
• Consideration of how to deliver research methods – making it exciting and fun!
• A marking exercise for research methods

3.00 – 3.10pm: Discussion: afternoon tea

3.10 – 3.45pm: Enhancing student performance

• Ideas for delivery – where do students lose marks?  What skills need to be taught?
• Dealing with students who want to be spoon fed
• Making psychology fun – activities for students

“Very good.  I usually see a course as useful if I take 3 good things from it.  Today I counted 18!”
Holy Family Technology College, 11 March 2010