Teaching OCR A-Level Psychology for the First Time
ABOUT THIS COURSE
This brand-new course is designed to support teachers who are new to teaching OCR A-level Psychology, build strong foundations for student success from the very start. Delegates will explore how to effectively introduce the scheme of work, deliver meaningful assessments, and embed key content into lessons.The course also offers practical strategies for overcoming common challenges, especially for those working in small departments. Delegates will gain a range of high-impact teaching and assessment techniques, including retrieval practice, model answers, and formative feedback strategies. With focused sessions on Paper 1, 2 and 3, the course provides resources and expert guidance aligning with OCR expectations. Delegates will leave with a clear plan on how to improve student outcomes and manage their teaching workload more effectively.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- ECTs
- Anyone new to teaching Psychology
- Anyone new to teaching the OCR A Level Specification
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING
- Provide teachers of A-level Psychology the material and confidence to teach effectively to all ability ranges
- Obtain exceptional understanding of the key challenge areas and how to teach them
- Gain insight into the content, the exam structure and the how exams are marked.
- Leave with lots of useful resources and ideas
- Understanding of how to differentiate using scaffold and stretch strategies for extended writing
PROGRAMME
10.00am: Introduction and general overview- Ensuring students and teachers hit the ground running in September – introducing the scheme of work and baseline assessment
- Recognising which areas will be most challenging for you and how to address these issues
- Identifying your support network and making the most of it – particularly in a small department or single teacher department
- Understanding the OCR specification and assessment
10.30am: Paper 1 Research Methods
- Teaching research methods through mini practicals
- The design a study 15-mark question
- Data analysis and inferential statistics
11.15am: Break
11.30am: Teaching Paper 2- Core Studies
- The challenge of teaching 20 core studies
- Section B – Areas, perspectives and debates – how to teach extended writing effectively to maximise marks, incorporating issues and debates into your teaching. Tackling comparison questions
- Section C – Practical application – Tackling the tricking suggestions questions and the follow up evaluation question
12.45pm: Lunch
1.45pm: Getting to Grips with Paper 3
- Issues in Mental Illness
- The options – Choosing options
- Options – Question a) 10 marks – How to maximise marks
- Options – Question b) 15 marks – Common errors students make
- Options – Question c) 10 marks – Writing frames for suggestions to ensure maximum marks
2.50pm: Break
3.00pm: Future Directions
- Update on new OCR Specification
- Plenary
4.00pm Depart
A-Level - Code: T0427
Teaching OCR A-Level Psychology for the First Time
COURSE LEADER
Deb Gajic has over 30 years’ experience teaching Psychology, including serving as Head of Psychology at an outstanding Midlands school where A Level Psychology was one of the most popular subjects and students consistently exceeded their target grades. She now works as an independent educational consultant, senior examiner and CPD trainer for two major UK exam boards, while also tutoring students privately. Deb is a published author of resources for psychology teachers and students and has extensive experience supporting a wide range of learners, including those with SEND and anxiety. She is a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS).
Course Brochure
