How can we improve our Northampton Area Psychology (NAP) teachers’ group provision? 

The Northampton Area Psychology (NAP) Teachers Group is a historical collaboration initiative led by Psychology lecturers from the University of Northampton working with local Psychology A level teachers. NAP meetings are a resource for both parties to facilitate exchange of ideas, a community of staff, communication and alignment of curriculum updates and new research in the field of Psychology. The meetings also offer networking opportunities, resources share, alignment of Further / Higher Education curriculum specifications and continuing professional development. These meetings previously have taken place bi-annually. In addition to this NAP events have been part of the collaboration and are arranged and ran by Psychology staff and students. These events are aimed at inspiring local students by giving them the opportunity to take part in their own research. Events can increase students’ subject knowledge, develop skills for their current assessments and offer a unique discussion point in their UCAS statement demonstrating commitment to the subject and readiness to participate in extracurricular activities. It also gives the students the opportunity to experience and gain an insight into studying at the University of Northampton. The aim of this project was to understand and gain perspectives from Psychology Teachers on what is important to them in terms of a collaboration with the University of Northampton in the field of Psychology. Findings to be presented will illustrate best practice for how NAP meetings are carried out, frequency of meetings, as well as benefits for those engaging in them, including for teacher practice and student university transitions.