Due to the spread of Covid-19, this year's conference has been cancelled.
Stay safe, stay isolated...
Archived Events
Association for Psychology Teachers 22nd Annual student conference, April 10th, 2019
Two hundred students and their teachers, from all corners of Northern Ireland and from Dublin, attended this one day intensive revision day for AS psychology. The event returned to Queen's University and we are grateful to the School of Psychology and, in particular, to the Head of Psychology, Professor Teresa McCormack, for supporting this learning event. This is the only revision event of its kind offered, not just in psychology but in any A level subject in Northern Ireland.
There was a series of talks in the morning and afternoon along with seminar slots in the afternoon where students worked in groups on research exercises for spot prizes and in preparing for the exam. The talks were on the core areas of the AQA and Welsh Board AS syllabi, including developmental psychology, social influences, abnormality and approaches to psychology, cognitive psychology and research methods.
There were talks on revision strategies and preparing for the exam from a former Principal Examiner with AQA and leading textbook author, Julia Willerton. As in previous years, the overwhelming student and teacher feedback was hugely positive for all the talks and topics covered throughout the day. This year QUB Psychology student ambassadors were available to chat to the A level students over lunch and further details on studying psychology at Queen's can be found at www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/
If you would be interested in being informed or attending future student conferences or teacher CPD events please email conference organiser Dr Chris Gibbons on aptpsychology@gmail.com
Teachers, speakers and students from the APT revision day
10th April, 2019
Conference organiser, Chris Gibbons, first on left, and our main speaker, Julia Willerton, third in from the right, along with just some of the teachers from the day
There was a series of talks in the morning and afternoon along with seminar slots in the afternoon where students worked in groups on research exercises for spot prizes and in preparing for the exam. The talks were on the core areas of the AQA and Welsh Board AS syllabi, including developmental psychology, social influences, abnormality and approaches to psychology, cognitive psychology and research methods.
There were talks on revision strategies and preparing for the exam from a former Principal Examiner with AQA and leading textbook author, Julia Willerton. As in previous years, the overwhelming student and teacher feedback was hugely positive for all the talks and topics covered throughout the day. This year QUB Psychology student ambassadors were available to chat to the A level students over lunch and further details on studying psychology at Queen's can be found at www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/
If you would be interested in being informed or attending future student conferences or teacher CPD events please email conference organiser Dr Chris Gibbons on aptpsychology@gmail.com
Teachers, speakers and students from the APT revision day
10th April, 2019
Conference organiser, Chris Gibbons, first on left, and our main speaker, Julia Willerton, third in from the right, along with just some of the teachers from the day
| APT Psychology conference 2019 |
APT CPD 21st June, 2018, hosted by St Dominic's Grammar, Belfast.
The APT Psychology CPD Event will take place Thursday 21st June at St Dominic’s Grammar school, situated behind the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The programme is still being drawn up but there will be sessions on learning resouces that work well in the class. These will be demonstrated by colleagues. These events are very supportive and collegiate and it is a rare opportunity to meet and work with others sharing the same interests and challenges in psychology. Other sessions planned for the day include:
Why consider psychology at university?
Helping your students cope.
'Have you consider Dublin as an option for studying your psychology degree?'
For teachers - the key resouces to success in A level psychology
The best free VLE in schools and colleges - Edmodo
The event costs £40 and includes lunch, teas and coffee and a copy of all the resources. Please spread the word on the event. Email aptpsychology@gmail.com if you could like to attend.
Below are the teachers at this year's CPD
Association for Psychology Teachers 21st Annual student conference, March 21st, 2018
Over 120 students and their teachers, from all corners of Northern Ireland and from Dublin, attended this one day intensive revision day for AS psychology. This is the only revision learning event of its kind offered not just in psychology but in any A level subject in Northern Ireland and this year celebrated twenty-one years of events to support students and their teachers.
There was a series of talks in the morning and afternoon along with seminar slots in the afternoon where students worked in groups on research exercises. The talks were on the core areas of the AS syllabus, including attachment, social influences, abnormality and approaches to psychology, cognitive psychology and research methods.
There were talks on revision strategies and preparing for the exam from a former Principal Examiner with AQA and leading textbook author, Julia Willerton. As in previous years the overall student feedback was again very positive for all the talks and topics covered throughout the day.
If you would be interested in being informed or attending future student conferences or teacher CPD events please email conference organiser Chris Gibbons on chris.gibbons@dbs.ie.
There was a series of talks in the morning and afternoon along with seminar slots in the afternoon where students worked in groups on research exercises. The talks were on the core areas of the AS syllabus, including attachment, social influences, abnormality and approaches to psychology, cognitive psychology and research methods.
There were talks on revision strategies and preparing for the exam from a former Principal Examiner with AQA and leading textbook author, Julia Willerton. As in previous years the overall student feedback was again very positive for all the talks and topics covered throughout the day.
If you would be interested in being informed or attending future student conferences or teacher CPD events please email conference organiser Chris Gibbons on chris.gibbons@dbs.ie.
Please find details on the forthcoming AS Psychology revision day. The content of this day is also suitable for those undertaking their full A level. The event takes place on Wednesday 21 st March, 2018. The format is the same as in previous years - there will be a series of lectures and seminars and the focus will be on core topics on the Specification A AS syllabus with former AQA Principal Examiner, Julia Willerton, taking a leading role. This year the event will be hosted by St Dominic's Grammar School, 135-137 Falls Rd, Belfast BT12 6AE. Please email Dr C Gibbons on chris.gibbons@dbs.ie if you would like to attend.
Association for Psychology Teachers 15th Annual CPD event, June 13th, 2017
The Association for Psychology Teachers held its 15th annual CPD event. There was a talk on the Admissions process by Sandra Bloomer from QUB; sessions on exam marking and the use of Edmodo software by Stephen Smyth; on Zigzag and exampro resources by Ian Thompson; on talk2learn by Denise Fitzpatrick - this involved covering a range of interactive learning exercises; a session on 'what you need to know' on attachment and a 'dumbing down' psychology concepts quiz by Chris Gibbons. The day was highly valued and rated by everyone both for the resources shared and for the collegiality that makes it all possible.
Association for Psychology Teachers 20th Annual student conference, April 26th, 2017
Teachers from 10 schools and colleges attended the 20th annual ATP conference on 26th April, 2017
Over 200 students and their teachers, from all corners of Northern Ireland and from Dublin, attended this one day intensive revision day for AS psychology. This is the only revision learning event of its kind offered not just in psychology but in any A level subject in Northern Ireland and this year celebrated twenty years of events to support students and their teachers.
There was a series of talks in the morning and afternoon along with seminar slots in the afternoon where students worked in groups on research exercises. The talks were on the core areas of the new AQA specification syllabus, including attachment, social influences, abnormality and approaches to psychology, cognitive psychology and research methods.
There were talks on revision strategies and preparing for the exam from a former Principal Examiner with AQA and leading textbook author, Julia Willerton and there were periodic prizes in response to questions from the speakers. Overwhelming, student feedback was again very positive for all the talks and topics covered throughout the day. Over 95% of students completed evaluations of the event with a mean of 8.5/10 achieved on 'How enjoyable I found the experience' and 9/10 achieved on 'How much I have benefited and learnt from the day'. All the talks received and average of 8/10 for interest and relevance.
If you would be interested in being informed or attending future student conferences or teacher CPD events please email conference organiser Chris Gibbons on chris.gibbons@dbs.ie.
APT Psychology conference 2017
Please find details on the forthcoming AS Psychology revision day. The event takes place on Wednesday 26th April, 2017. The format is the same as in previous years - there will be a series of lectures and seminars and the focus will be on core topics on the Specification A AS syllabus with former AQA Principal Examiner, Julia Willerton, taking a leading role. Please email Dr C Gibbons on c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk if you would like to attend.
Association for Psychology Teachers 19th Annual student conference, April 6th, 2016
Teachers from 12 schools and colleges attended the 19th annual ATP conference on 6th April, 2016
Teachers and speakers at the annual ATP conference, April 6th, 2016. The speakers included Julia Willerton, sixth in from the left and Chris Gibbons on the far right.
Over 200 students and their teachers from all corners of Northern Ireland and from Dublin attended this one day intensive revision day for AS psychology. There was a series of talks in the morning and afternoon and seminar slots in the afternoon where students worked in groups on research exercises. The talks were on the core areas of the new AQA specification syllabus, including attachment, social influences, abnormality and approaches to psychology, cognitive psychology and research methods.
There were talks on revision strategies and preparing for the exam from a former Principal Examiner with AQA and leading textbook author, Julia Willerton and there were periodic prizes in response to questions from the speakers. Overwhelming student feedback was very positive for all the lectures and topics covered throughout the day. Over 80% of students completed evaluations of the event with a mean of 8/10 achieved on 'How enjoyable I found the experience' and 9/10 achieved on 'How much I have benefited and learnt from the day'. All the talks received and average of 8/10 for interest and relevance. If you would be interested in being informed or attending future student conferences or teacher CPD events please email conference organiser Chris Gibbons on c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk.
Over 200 students and their teachers from all corners of Northern Ireland and from Dublin attended this one day intensive revision day for AS psychology. There was a series of talks in the morning and afternoon and seminar slots in the afternoon where students worked in groups on research exercises. The talks were on the core areas of the new AQA specification syllabus, including attachment, social influences, abnormality and approaches to psychology, cognitive psychology and research methods.
There were talks on revision strategies and preparing for the exam from a former Principal Examiner with AQA and leading textbook author, Julia Willerton and there were periodic prizes in response to questions from the speakers. Overwhelming student feedback was very positive for all the lectures and topics covered throughout the day. Over 80% of students completed evaluations of the event with a mean of 8/10 achieved on 'How enjoyable I found the experience' and 9/10 achieved on 'How much I have benefited and learnt from the day'. All the talks received and average of 8/10 for interest and relevance. If you would be interested in being informed or attending future student conferences or teacher CPD events please email conference organiser Chris Gibbons on c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk.
APT Psychology conference 2016
Please find details on the forthcoming AS Psychology revision day. The event takes place on Wednesday 6th April, 2016. The format is the same as in previous years - there will be a series of lectures and seminars and the focus will be on core topics on the Specification A AS syllabus with former AQA Principal Examiner, Julia Willerton, taking a leading role. Please email Dr C Gibbons on c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk if you would like to attend.
APT CPD Event 21st June, 2016
On Wednesday 21st June APT ran the 15th annual CPD event for psychology teachers and lecturers. Similar to last year the format focused on preparing for the A2 element of the new AQA syllabus and the changes in assessment with the new A level. Julia Willerton, former Principal Examiner, AQA, ran sessions explaining the new specification; explaining the level and types of information students need to understand to address AO1, AO2 and AO3 question elements. Martin Sawey and Patricia Castle, from QUB, School of Psychology, ran a session on how the Department can help promote psychology in schools and Chris Gibbons ran a session on a novel way to teach the most famous study in all psychology. Other contributors were Ian Thompson on ‘exampro’ – a set of interactive questions for use in classroom teaching; Denise Fitzpatrick on a range of student-centred learning exercises she has generated; and Stephen Smyth on making the most of google technology in one’s teaching and in promoting interaction outside the classroom. Fifteen teachers attended from fourteen different schools and colleges. This one day event received the following ratings:
On enjoyment: 9.8/10
On interest: 9.5/10
On learning: 10/10
On the extent to which the event was balanced and organised: 9/10
Below are teachers and speakers at the recent APT CPD event 2016. Teachers attended from schools and colleges across the Province - from Belfast, Larne, Newtownards, Dromore, Magherafelt, Bangor, Derry and Kilkeel. In the first image top left includes Chris Gibbons, APT, and third from the left includes Julia Willerton, former Principal Examiner, AQA.
On Wednesday 21st June APT ran the 15th annual CPD event for psychology teachers and lecturers. Similar to last year the format focused on preparing for the A2 element of the new AQA syllabus and the changes in assessment with the new A level. Julia Willerton, former Principal Examiner, AQA, ran sessions explaining the new specification; explaining the level and types of information students need to understand to address AO1, AO2 and AO3 question elements. Martin Sawey and Patricia Castle, from QUB, School of Psychology, ran a session on how the Department can help promote psychology in schools and Chris Gibbons ran a session on a novel way to teach the most famous study in all psychology. Other contributors were Ian Thompson on ‘exampro’ – a set of interactive questions for use in classroom teaching; Denise Fitzpatrick on a range of student-centred learning exercises she has generated; and Stephen Smyth on making the most of google technology in one’s teaching and in promoting interaction outside the classroom. Fifteen teachers attended from fourteen different schools and colleges. This one day event received the following ratings:
On enjoyment: 9.8/10
On interest: 9.5/10
On learning: 10/10
On the extent to which the event was balanced and organised: 9/10
Below are teachers and speakers at the recent APT CPD event 2016. Teachers attended from schools and colleges across the Province - from Belfast, Larne, Newtownards, Dromore, Magherafelt, Bangor, Derry and Kilkeel. In the first image top left includes Chris Gibbons, APT, and third from the left includes Julia Willerton, former Principal Examiner, AQA.
APT CPD Event 17th June, 2015
On Wednesday 17th June APT ran the 14th annual CPD event for psychology teachers and lecturers. This year was a different format from earlier years with the focus given over to preparing for the new AQA syllabus and the changes in assessment with the new A level. Julia Willerton, former Principal Examiner, AQA, ran sessions explaining the new specification; explaining the level and types of information students need to understand to address AO1, AO2 and AO3 question elements. Deaglan Page, from QUB, outlined the undergraduate psychology degree at Queen’s and Chris Gibbons ran an interactive group learning exercise on research methods. Thirteen teachers attended from eleven different school and colleges. This one day event received the following ratings:
On enjoyment: 9.7/10
On interest: 9.5/10
On learning: 10/10
On the extent to which the event was balanced and organised: 9/10
Below are teachers and speakers at the recent APT CPD event 2015. Teachers attended from schools and colleges across the Province - from Belfast, Larne, Newtownards, Dromore, Magherafelt, Bangor, Derry and Kilkeel. In the first image top left includes Chris Gibbons, APT, and top left in the second, Deaglan Page, QUB. Second from the right is Julia Willerton, former Principal Examiner, AQA.
On Wednesday 17th June APT ran the 14th annual CPD event for psychology teachers and lecturers. This year was a different format from earlier years with the focus given over to preparing for the new AQA syllabus and the changes in assessment with the new A level. Julia Willerton, former Principal Examiner, AQA, ran sessions explaining the new specification; explaining the level and types of information students need to understand to address AO1, AO2 and AO3 question elements. Deaglan Page, from QUB, outlined the undergraduate psychology degree at Queen’s and Chris Gibbons ran an interactive group learning exercise on research methods. Thirteen teachers attended from eleven different school and colleges. This one day event received the following ratings:
On enjoyment: 9.7/10
On interest: 9.5/10
On learning: 10/10
On the extent to which the event was balanced and organised: 9/10
Below are teachers and speakers at the recent APT CPD event 2015. Teachers attended from schools and colleges across the Province - from Belfast, Larne, Newtownards, Dromore, Magherafelt, Bangor, Derry and Kilkeel. In the first image top left includes Chris Gibbons, APT, and top left in the second, Deaglan Page, QUB. Second from the right is Julia Willerton, former Principal Examiner, AQA.
APT is organising the annual CPD event for Wednesday, 17th June and a focus will be on the changes in the syllabus. If you would be interested in attending please email Chris Gibbons at c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk. Details on the programme can be found below:
APT CPD Event, 17th June, 2015
10am
Intro to the day (Chris Gibbons, APT)
10.10am
Understanding the new specification (Julia Willerton, former Principal Examiner)
10.30am
Preparing students for assessments (Julia Willerton)
11.15-11.30
break
11.30-12
Studying psychology at QUB (Martin Dempster, Director of Education, School of Psychology, QUB)
12-12.30
Research methods and interactive learning (Chris Gibbons)
12.30-1.15pm
lunch
1.15-2.15pm
Developing your first year scheme of work - a workshop led by (Julia Willerton)
2.15-2.30pm
tea break
2.30-3.30pm
Suggestions on teaching 'Approaches to psychology' (Julia Willerton)
3.30-3.45pm
How you could use the Green et al text in your teaching (Julia Willerton)
Archived events
APT student psychology conference 15th April 2015
Teachers and speakers on 15th April, 2015 at the 18th annual APT student psychology
conference.
Over 200 students attended this one day intensive revision day for AS psychology. There was a series of talks in the morning and afternoon and seminar slots in the afternoon where students worked in groups on research exercises. The talks were on the core areas of the syllabus including early social development, abnormality, biological psychology, cognitive psychology and research methods.
There were talks on revision strategies and preparing for the exam from a former Principal Examiner with AQA and there were periodic prizes in response to questions from the speakers. Overwhelming student feedback was very positive for all the lectures and topics covered throughout the day. Over 80% of students completed evaluations of the event with a mean of 8.5/10 achieved on 'How enjoyable I found the experience' and 9/10 achieved on 'How much I have benefitted and learnt from the day'.
Over 200 students attended this one day intensive revision day for AS psychology. There was a series of talks in the morning and afternoon and seminar slots in the afternoon where students worked in groups on research exercises. The talks were on the core areas of the syllabus including early social development, abnormality, biological psychology, cognitive psychology and research methods.
There were talks on revision strategies and preparing for the exam from a former Principal Examiner with AQA and there were periodic prizes in response to questions from the speakers. Overwhelming student feedback was very positive for all the lectures and topics covered throughout the day. Over 80% of students completed evaluations of the event with a mean of 8.5/10 achieved on 'How enjoyable I found the experience' and 9/10 achieved on 'How much I have benefitted and learnt from the day'.
APT student Psychology conference 15th April, 2015
The forthcoming APT student AS psychology conference will take place on Wednesday 15th April, 2015. We are delighted to welcome the return of AQA Principal Examiner, Julia Willerton. Last year’s conference received a student rating of over 9/10 for interest, enjoyment and learning and the format this year will be the same but this time the conference is being held in a slightly larger venue. APT is grateful for the continued support from the School of Psychology to enable us to host the event at Queen’s. A programme for the day and details on obtaining tickets can be found in the PDF below.
The forthcoming APT student AS psychology conference will take place on Wednesday 15th April, 2015. We are delighted to welcome the return of AQA Principal Examiner, Julia Willerton. Last year’s conference received a student rating of over 9/10 for interest, enjoyment and learning and the format this year will be the same but this time the conference is being held in a slightly larger venue. APT is grateful for the continued support from the School of Psychology to enable us to host the event at Queen’s. A programme for the day and details on obtaining tickets can be found in the PDF below.
| APT Psychology conference 2015 |
APT CPD Event 19th June, 2014
From back left Chris Gibbons, APT; Charmaine McAtee, Kilkeel High school; Fergus Woods, formerly St
Mary’s Christian Brothers; Stephen Smyth, Grovensor Grammar; Ian Thompson, Larne Grammar; John Denison, Drumragh College, Joanna McCullough, Newtownbreda High School. Front left -
Maeve Kennedy, St Dominic’s Grammar; Joanne and Suzanne Dodds, Glengormley High school; Raymond and Sandra Kennoway, Regent House Grammar, Karen McCambridge, Northern Regional College.
Queen’s University was the venue for the thirteenth annual CPD event. Sixteen colleagues attended the day from schools from across the Province with six colleagues attending for the first time. Chris Gibbons opened the day with a talk on Daniel Kahneman’s ‘thinking fast and slow’ and offered a range of topic links covered on the syllabus. Fergus Woods, former Deputy Head and Head of psychology at St Mary’s Christian Brothers Grammar, gave a talk on making research methods accessible to students. John Denison, Drumragh college, Omagh, led a workshop on identifying the ingredients that make for a successful essay. Maeve Kennedy, St Dominic's Grammar, shared some of her favourite resources from ‘Psychology resources’ [formerly ‘psychology exchange’]. Sam Murphy discussed his research at the University of Ulster and there was a compare and contrast on the UU and QUB psychology degrees from Sam and Chris. Ian Thompson, Larne Grammar, shared a range of resources he uses in his teaching, including his favourites from a range of texts and resources along with a student self-reflection questionnaire he uses at AS and A2. As ever, Stephen Smyth, Grovensor grammar, offered us the latest on technology - on ipads replacing whiteboard technology and a range of apps and online platforms, including google drive, that will be instrumental in e-learning. Finally, Carol McGuinness led a workshop on the NIBPS proposal to CCEA to develop a CCEA A level psychology. Developments are ongoing but there is a growing level of interest from teachers to develop an A level psychology syllabus. If you are one such teacher who might be interested please email Chris Gibbons to be added to the mailing list - c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk
On enjoyment the event was rated 9.5/10
On interest 9/10
On learning 9.5/10
On well balanced and organised 9/10
The photo below is as above but with Sam Murphy replacing Chris Gibbons
Mary’s Christian Brothers; Stephen Smyth, Grovensor Grammar; Ian Thompson, Larne Grammar; John Denison, Drumragh College, Joanna McCullough, Newtownbreda High School. Front left -
Maeve Kennedy, St Dominic’s Grammar; Joanne and Suzanne Dodds, Glengormley High school; Raymond and Sandra Kennoway, Regent House Grammar, Karen McCambridge, Northern Regional College.
Queen’s University was the venue for the thirteenth annual CPD event. Sixteen colleagues attended the day from schools from across the Province with six colleagues attending for the first time. Chris Gibbons opened the day with a talk on Daniel Kahneman’s ‘thinking fast and slow’ and offered a range of topic links covered on the syllabus. Fergus Woods, former Deputy Head and Head of psychology at St Mary’s Christian Brothers Grammar, gave a talk on making research methods accessible to students. John Denison, Drumragh college, Omagh, led a workshop on identifying the ingredients that make for a successful essay. Maeve Kennedy, St Dominic's Grammar, shared some of her favourite resources from ‘Psychology resources’ [formerly ‘psychology exchange’]. Sam Murphy discussed his research at the University of Ulster and there was a compare and contrast on the UU and QUB psychology degrees from Sam and Chris. Ian Thompson, Larne Grammar, shared a range of resources he uses in his teaching, including his favourites from a range of texts and resources along with a student self-reflection questionnaire he uses at AS and A2. As ever, Stephen Smyth, Grovensor grammar, offered us the latest on technology - on ipads replacing whiteboard technology and a range of apps and online platforms, including google drive, that will be instrumental in e-learning. Finally, Carol McGuinness led a workshop on the NIBPS proposal to CCEA to develop a CCEA A level psychology. Developments are ongoing but there is a growing level of interest from teachers to develop an A level psychology syllabus. If you are one such teacher who might be interested please email Chris Gibbons to be added to the mailing list - c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk
On enjoyment the event was rated 9.5/10
On interest 9/10
On learning 9.5/10
On well balanced and organised 9/10
The photo below is as above but with Sam Murphy replacing Chris Gibbons
APT student psychology conference 15th April 2015
APT student conference 9th April, 2014
The latest refurbished Queen’s lecture theatre and student area in the David Kier Building, QUB, was the venue for the 17th annual APT student psychology conference. In excess of 150 students from nine different schools attended this one-day intensive AS psychology revision day with Chris Gibbons, APT, and Julia Willerton, AQA, offering a range of talks and seminars on key syllabus areas. Over 130 students gave feedback at the end of the one day event and this was over-whelmingly positive. A mean score of 8/10 was given in response to how well students felt the course had prepared them for the exam.
From back left - Lisa Duke, Maeve Kennedy, Suzanne Dodd. Third row back - Denise Fitzpatrick, Ian Thompson and Karen McCambridge, Second and first row, from left, colleagues from Glengormley High School and Grovensor grammar, Stephen Smyth and Julie Baird; centre front, Julia Willerton, AQA, and front right Chris Gibbons, APT.
Photos of the student audience along with the finalists of the research methods quiz and our two winners from Rainey Endowed and Banbridge Academy with their prizes - the latest international psychology text best seller by Schachter et al.
From back left - Lisa Duke, Maeve Kennedy, Suzanne Dodd. Third row back - Denise Fitzpatrick, Ian Thompson and Karen McCambridge, Second and first row, from left, colleagues from Glengormley High School and Grovensor grammar, Stephen Smyth and Julie Baird; centre front, Julia Willerton, AQA, and front right Chris Gibbons, APT.
Photos of the student audience along with the finalists of the research methods quiz and our two winners from Rainey Endowed and Banbridge Academy with their prizes - the latest international psychology text best seller by Schachter et al.
APT CPD event 26th June, 2013
This year's CPD event took place in the Boardroom of the School of Psychology, QUB. APT ran another successful CPD event on 26th June. Chris Gibbons gave a talk on the biology of stress; Anna Bell, on behalf of QUB Admissions, gave important information and tips to the teachers to pass on to their students to help them in their UCAS applications. Deaglan Page, the lecturer in the School of Psychology responsible to statistics, gave a talk on the methodology and statistics teaching on the undergraduate degree. Karen McCambridge gave a talk on ideas for promoting curiosity in students. Stephen Smyth, Denise Fitzpatrick and Ian Thompson all gave excellent talks on learning and teaching initiatives for promoting the skill set students need to achieve at A level. Finally, Chris Gibbons introduced a group activity that doubled up as an exercise in team-work and research methods. Fergus Woods and Gerry Brannigan, formerly Heads of Psychology at St Mary’s Grammar and St Patrick’s Academy, took part in the second half of the day.
APT Psychology Conference, 2013.
APT is organising the Sixteenth Psychology conference on Wednesday 20th March, 2013 starting at 10am in the Great Hall, Lanyon Building [this room is located to the right of the main entrance of QUB, opposite the Students’ Union]. The talks and seminars in the afternoon will take place in the usual rooms in the David Kier Building, Stranmillis Road entrance, Queen’s University Belfast.
Conference format - Great Hall, Lanyon Building. The format of the day is enclosed in the flyer below.
Conference format - Great Hall, Lanyon Building. The format of the day is enclosed in the flyer below.
| APT Psychology conference 2013 |
APT Psychology Teachers CPD 13th June 2012
Back row from left to right: Chris Gibbons, Maeve Kennedy, John Dennison, Carol McGuinness, Stephen Smyth, Ian Thompson. Front rown from left: Lisa Duke, Fergus Woods, Gerry Brannigan, Caira Ruddy.
The 13th June saw the eleventh APT CPD event. There were excellent presentations and shared resources on a range of material
relevant to psychology teachers: Ian Thompson shared the learning resources he used and the kinds of pro forma he issues to students to encourage them to take responsibility for their own learning. He also recommended some excellent Collins Unit 1-4 AQA key resources that Collins are selling off – the books retail at £9 but are being sold at £1 each! [http://www.collinseducation.com/SearchHome/pages/SearchResults.aspx?keyword=psychology&sdt=1].
John Dennison shared his valuable experience marking Unit 3 and shared some of the important insights he’d gained from the experience; Lisa Duke illustrated how she had engaged students using a ‘Comic life’, an interactive piece of software where students can create comics or magazine or storyboards on areas of learning [ the software can be freely downloaded at: http://comiclife.com/]. Stephen Smyth gave an excellent demonstration on ‘prezi’ – the latest in presentation tools. It makes powerpoints and remote clickers look like museum devices! [check out prezi.com]. The most generous sharing of resources came from Gerry Brannigan. He retires this year as Head of psychology at St Patrick’s Academy. He has over twenty years’ experience and he is meticulously organised. He put his resources together electronically for all who attended, and I mean all his resources [all 32 GB]! Thanks also to Fergus Woods who attended and offered valued contributions and to Carol McGuinness for an update on promoting thinking skills at A level.
relevant to psychology teachers: Ian Thompson shared the learning resources he used and the kinds of pro forma he issues to students to encourage them to take responsibility for their own learning. He also recommended some excellent Collins Unit 1-4 AQA key resources that Collins are selling off – the books retail at £9 but are being sold at £1 each! [http://www.collinseducation.com/SearchHome/pages/SearchResults.aspx?keyword=psychology&sdt=1].
John Dennison shared his valuable experience marking Unit 3 and shared some of the important insights he’d gained from the experience; Lisa Duke illustrated how she had engaged students using a ‘Comic life’, an interactive piece of software where students can create comics or magazine or storyboards on areas of learning [ the software can be freely downloaded at: http://comiclife.com/]. Stephen Smyth gave an excellent demonstration on ‘prezi’ – the latest in presentation tools. It makes powerpoints and remote clickers look like museum devices! [check out prezi.com]. The most generous sharing of resources came from Gerry Brannigan. He retires this year as Head of psychology at St Patrick’s Academy. He has over twenty years’ experience and he is meticulously organised. He put his resources together electronically for all who attended, and I mean all his resources [all 32 GB]! Thanks also to Fergus Woods who attended and offered valued contributions and to Carol McGuinness for an update on promoting thinking skills at A level.
APT CPD Event
Please contact Chris Gibbons at c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk if you would be interested in attending this year's Psychology CPD event. The provisional programme is outlined below.
| APT CPD Wednesday 13th June 2012 |
Free Public psychology talks
| Aidan Moran and Johny Kremer - separate talks on improving sports performance using psychology |
| Tony Ward (UWE) on reviewing the effectiveness of therapy |
APT Psychology conference April 20th, 2012
Over 120 students attended the 15th Annual psychology conference. The speakers included Paul Gardner (St Andrew's University), Jackie Abell (Lancaster University), Chris Gibbons (APT) and Julia Willerton (AQA). Copies of their talks can be found on the APT resources page.
APT Psychology conference April 20th 2012 - Please download the flyer for this year's student conference. The price remains the same at £10 a student. The flyer includes details on different talks and seminars offered to students. There is no charge to teachers. There will be a complimentary lunch and refreshments to teachers and in addition to the conference there will be a Teachers' seminar hosted by Julia Willerton, the Prinicpal Examiner for AQA Psychology. Please email Chris Gibbons if you would like to reserve places: c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk.
| APT Psychology conference 2012 |
Psychology Teachers's CPD Wednesday 15th June 2011
It’s that time of the year again – the Psychology teachers’ CPD event takes place on Wednesday 15th June in room G48 [the same room as in recent previous years]. It’s the first room on the right on the ground floor when one enters the David Kier Building from the Malone Road entrance [see Directions to events].
As in previous years there will be contributions from outside speakers, including Dr Mulhern, the BPS President, and a welcome return to Joe Cocker, but the focus of the day will be on colleagues sharing resources and activities and teaching ideas that work well in the class.
The price for the event will be the same as in previous years - £30. That includes a copy of all resources from the day as well as teas, coffees, snacks and lunch.
APT Staff Development Day 15.6.11. – programme.
9.30-10am Tea and coffee
10-10.30 Chris Gibbons – Outline for the day; The psychological and biological
basis of addiction.
10.30-11.00 Gerry Brannigan – software in psychology
11.00- 11.30 Louise Murphy – Kerboodle
11.30-11.45 tea and coffee
11.45-12.15 Joe Cocker – Fashionable psychology
12.15-12.45 Paula Moran, QUB Student Guidance Centre – supporting
undergraduate students at Queen’s
12.45-1.30pm buffet lunch
1.30-2.00 Lisa Duke – the pros and cons of using ‘vod casting’ in your teaching
2-2.30 Barbara McConnell – The NI BPS, what your local branch has to offer
2.30-3.00 Chris Gibbons – Why study psychology at Queen’s?
3.-3.30 Stephen Smyth – Insights from an Examiner
10-10.30 Chris Gibbons – Outline for the day; The psychological and biological
basis of addiction.
10.30-11.00 Gerry Brannigan – software in psychology
11.00- 11.30 Louise Murphy – Kerboodle
11.30-11.45 tea and coffee
11.45-12.15 Joe Cocker – Fashionable psychology
12.15-12.45 Paula Moran, QUB Student Guidance Centre – supporting
undergraduate students at Queen’s
12.45-1.30pm buffet lunch
1.30-2.00 Lisa Duke – the pros and cons of using ‘vod casting’ in your teaching
2-2.30 Barbara McConnell – The NI BPS, what your local branch has to offer
2.30-3.00 Chris Gibbons – Why study psychology at Queen’s?
3.-3.30 Stephen Smyth – Insights from an Examiner
APT Psychology Conference 13th April 2011.
APT is organising the Fourteenth Psychology conference on Wednesday 13th April, 2011 starting at 10am in the Lecture theatre, LG024 [the same as in previous years], in the David Kier building, Stranmillis Road entrance, Queen’s University Belfast.
Conference format.
10-10.05am Conference opening with introductions - Chris Gibbons
10.05-10.55 Understanding the social processes that underpin compliance Speaker –
and obedience. The talk will focus mainly on compliance Dr Jackie Abell
at the individual level but will also cover some of the evidence
of these same processes within groups, as well as the ethical
implications involved in such research.
Syllabus links – Spec A Social psychology – social influence and
ethical issues in research; Spec A – Social influence – conformity,
compliance and obedience
11.05-11.55 Understanding romantic relationships; how they develop and Speaker - Julia
Breakdown. This talk will also include comment on sexual Willerton
selection and parental investment and how early experiences
can affect adult attachments. Julia will explain how students
can make best use of the knowledge they have for the exam.
Syllabus links – Spec A & B - Relationships.
12.05 – 12.55 Understanding and evaluating theories of perception. The focus will Speaker Paul
be on making accessible and understandable an area of psychology Gardner
that many teachers avoid but which is on the syllabus and is part of
most psychology degree programmes. Approaches, Perspectives
and Cognitive psychology in both Specifications
1.-1.30pm Teacher Seminar
Julia will take questions on the new syllabus and offer feedback on the common
pitfalls and strengths from AS and A2 students’ recent answers to module exams.
Seminars will take place in the afternoon and students should be seated in one of the three venues – the main lecture theatre, or Seminar room A, or Seminar room B, by 2.10pm. The speakers will rotate between the three venues.
Venue: Lecture theatre Seminar Room A Seminar Room B
(LG024) (DKB01.028 was 1010) (DKB01.043 was 1078)
Speaker
Paul Gardner 2.10-2.30pm 2.35-2.55pm 3-3.20pm
Jackie Abell 2.35-2.55pm 3-3.20pm 2.10-2.30pm
Julia Willerton 3-3.20pm 2.10-2.30pm 2.35-2.55pm
Final Talk (Lecture theatre, LG25) 3.30 – 4.20pm Understanding the explanations for attraction and ‘love’. Speaker
This final talk will look at a range of explanations and evidence, Paul Gardner
including that that relates to an evolutionary basis.
Syllabus links – Spec A A2 Model 4, social psychology; Spec B Module 4 Human relationships and for both - Perspectives, Approaches and the synoptic element.
4.20-4.25pm Final comments and conference feedback.
Book by emailing c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk, and send monies, with cheques made payable to Association for Psychology Teachers, to 5 Mourne Wood, Rostrevor, Co Down. BT34 3GG.
Conference format.
10-10.05am Conference opening with introductions - Chris Gibbons
10.05-10.55 Understanding the social processes that underpin compliance Speaker –
and obedience. The talk will focus mainly on compliance Dr Jackie Abell
at the individual level but will also cover some of the evidence
of these same processes within groups, as well as the ethical
implications involved in such research.
Syllabus links – Spec A Social psychology – social influence and
ethical issues in research; Spec A – Social influence – conformity,
compliance and obedience
11.05-11.55 Understanding romantic relationships; how they develop and Speaker - Julia
Breakdown. This talk will also include comment on sexual Willerton
selection and parental investment and how early experiences
can affect adult attachments. Julia will explain how students
can make best use of the knowledge they have for the exam.
Syllabus links – Spec A & B - Relationships.
12.05 – 12.55 Understanding and evaluating theories of perception. The focus will Speaker Paul
be on making accessible and understandable an area of psychology Gardner
that many teachers avoid but which is on the syllabus and is part of
most psychology degree programmes. Approaches, Perspectives
and Cognitive psychology in both Specifications
1.-1.30pm Teacher Seminar
Julia will take questions on the new syllabus and offer feedback on the common
pitfalls and strengths from AS and A2 students’ recent answers to module exams.
Seminars will take place in the afternoon and students should be seated in one of the three venues – the main lecture theatre, or Seminar room A, or Seminar room B, by 2.10pm. The speakers will rotate between the three venues.
Venue: Lecture theatre Seminar Room A Seminar Room B
(LG024) (DKB01.028 was 1010) (DKB01.043 was 1078)
Speaker
Paul Gardner 2.10-2.30pm 2.35-2.55pm 3-3.20pm
Jackie Abell 2.35-2.55pm 3-3.20pm 2.10-2.30pm
Julia Willerton 3-3.20pm 2.10-2.30pm 2.35-2.55pm
Final Talk (Lecture theatre, LG25) 3.30 – 4.20pm Understanding the explanations for attraction and ‘love’. Speaker
This final talk will look at a range of explanations and evidence, Paul Gardner
including that that relates to an evolutionary basis.
Syllabus links – Spec A A2 Model 4, social psychology; Spec B Module 4 Human relationships and for both - Perspectives, Approaches and the synoptic element.
4.20-4.25pm Final comments and conference feedback.
Book by emailing c.gibbons@qub.ac.uk, and send monies, with cheques made payable to Association for Psychology Teachers, to 5 Mourne Wood, Rostrevor, Co Down. BT34 3GG.
CPD event for psychology teachers and lecturers - Teachers and speakers at the annual CPD 16.6.10.
Psychology teachers and speakers at the APT CPD 2005
The APT CPD took place on 16th June, 2010. A range of teaching sessions ran on the latest software resources in psychology; on promoting learning skills in students; on the biological basis of sex and gender and on key resources to use in your teaching. There were contributions from Professor Carol McGuinness on promoting crtical thinking; Dr Donnacha Hanna on APT and the Division of teachers and researchers in the Northern Ireland branch of the BPS; and Dr Liz McLoughlin on studying psychology at Dublin City University.
APT Staff Development Day 16.6.10
9.30-10am Tea and coffee
10-10.30 Chris Gibbons – outline for the day; the website launch;
– The biology of sex and gender.
10.30-11.00 Gerry Brannigan – Useful psychology resources
11.00- 11.30 Stephen Smyth – Making the most of the internet in your teaching
11.30-11.45 tea and coffee
11.45-12.15 Karen McCambridge – Enhancing your psychology teaching
12.15-12.45 Dr Liz McLoughlin – Studying psychology at Dublin City University
12.45-1.20pm buffet lunch
1.20-1.50 Dr Donnacha Hanna – building links between the NI BPS and APT
1.50-2.15 Ian Thompson – Useful workbooks for your teaching
2.15-2.45 Professor Carol McGuinness – promoting critical thinking
2.50-3.30 Kim Moore and John Dennison – Developing independence and
analytical skills. John will facilitate a discussion on sharing ideas and
good practice on how to deliver evaluation skills in the classroom. Kim
will illustrate some ideas she has used.
3.30-3.40 Chris Gibbons – wrapping up the day.
Teas and coffees will be available throughout the afternoon.
Teachers & speakers attending.
John Dennison Drumragh College
Gerry Brannigan St Patrick’s Academy
Stephen Smyth Grovenor Grammar
Karen McCambridge Northern Regional College
Meave Kennedy St Dominic’s High School
Chris Gibbons APT
Andrea McGurk St Mary’s Grammar School
Fiona Crooks St Mary’s Grammar School
Mary Robinson SERC College
Stephen Lowry Wellington Grammar
Lisa Kennedy Newry High School
Ian Thompson Larne Grammar
Minford McBride Northern Regional College
Fergus Woods Formerly St Mary’s CBGS
Kim Moore SE Regional college
Stephen Lowry Wellington College
Gerry Mulhern School of Psychology, QUB
Carol McGuinness School of Psychology, QUB
Donnacha Hanna School of Psychology, QUB
Liz McLoughlin Dublin City University
10-10.30 Chris Gibbons – outline for the day; the website launch;
– The biology of sex and gender.
10.30-11.00 Gerry Brannigan – Useful psychology resources
11.00- 11.30 Stephen Smyth – Making the most of the internet in your teaching
11.30-11.45 tea and coffee
11.45-12.15 Karen McCambridge – Enhancing your psychology teaching
12.15-12.45 Dr Liz McLoughlin – Studying psychology at Dublin City University
12.45-1.20pm buffet lunch
1.20-1.50 Dr Donnacha Hanna – building links between the NI BPS and APT
1.50-2.15 Ian Thompson – Useful workbooks for your teaching
2.15-2.45 Professor Carol McGuinness – promoting critical thinking
2.50-3.30 Kim Moore and John Dennison – Developing independence and
analytical skills. John will facilitate a discussion on sharing ideas and
good practice on how to deliver evaluation skills in the classroom. Kim
will illustrate some ideas she has used.
3.30-3.40 Chris Gibbons – wrapping up the day.
Teas and coffees will be available throughout the afternoon.
Teachers & speakers attending.
John Dennison Drumragh College
Gerry Brannigan St Patrick’s Academy
Stephen Smyth Grovenor Grammar
Karen McCambridge Northern Regional College
Meave Kennedy St Dominic’s High School
Chris Gibbons APT
Andrea McGurk St Mary’s Grammar School
Fiona Crooks St Mary’s Grammar School
Mary Robinson SERC College
Stephen Lowry Wellington Grammar
Lisa Kennedy Newry High School
Ian Thompson Larne Grammar
Minford McBride Northern Regional College
Fergus Woods Formerly St Mary’s CBGS
Kim Moore SE Regional college
Stephen Lowry Wellington College
Gerry Mulhern School of Psychology, QUB
Carol McGuinness School of Psychology, QUB
Donnacha Hanna School of Psychology, QUB
Liz McLoughlin Dublin City University
