Kirkham Grammar School

Kirkham Grammar School is a large independent school founded in 1549. In 1979 it became co-educational for the first time in its history. The last decade of the twentieth century showed a rise in pupil numbers from 500 to 900 and a spectacular programme of continuous development. The ethos of the school is to maintain traditional family values and a holistic approach to education. The academic success of its pupils continues to reflect the diligence of staff and pupils alike and represents the fulfillment of the aim to bring out the true potential of all its pupils. Sixth formers choose from a wide range of AS and A level subjects which include all the GCSE curriculum subjects plus several additional subjects such as PE , Poliltics, Psychology and Electronics (AS). Pupils also follow a General Studies course designed to add breadth to their studies. Where appropriate pupils are also prepared for Advanced Extension Awards and for Oxford and Cambridge entrance exams.

Some 90% of Sixth formers progress to university degree courses. In terms of Psychology per se, there are currently sixty pupils studying Psychology at either AS or A2 level under the guidance of the Head of Psychology Mrs. Jackie Stanbury. Many of these pupils are intending to study Psychology at undergraduate level in the very near future. The Psychology department has a wide range of resources and encourages the use of external speakers and courses for its pupils. Pupils are encouraged to purchase Psychology review publications and to use the Internet frequently in an effort to stay up-to-date with changing trends.

www.kirkhamgrammar.co.uk

Jackie Stanbury: Head of Psychology

Mrs Jackie Stanbury joined Kirkham Grammar School in 1995, with the primary aim of establishing a Psychology Department. The initial interest in the subject was encouraging, with several students studying for the now extinct AEB A-level examination. From the first group of six pupils, the psychology department is now flourishing and thriving with approximately sixty students studying at either AS or A2 level.

Prior to joining Kirkham Grammar School, Jackie worked as a lecturer in a local college, teaching a range of qualifications from GCSE psychology to Lincs degree level. In addition to her current teaching commitments, Jackie also act as an examiner for a major examination board, marking scripts for both AS and A2 modules. With nearly twenty years experience in the teaching of psychology and preparing students for their examinations, Jackie is about to embark on writing a textbook specifically for the A2 modules. She is a member of the ATP and is always looking for new ways to make the subject material more interesting – hence her involvement in the PsYonline project.