Psychology topics brought to high school pupils

Undergraduate Psychology students have been working with pupils at Craigroyston Community High School to introduce them to topics such as mental health and well-being

As part of their final year studies, psychology students are given the opportunity to work with local school pupils to develop lesson plans. 

The lessons tie in with the schools' National 5 Psychology curriculum and the resources created by psychology students are given to the schools for future use.

From brain functions to well-being

Some of the lessons covered how the brain works, the various functions of its parts, how it shapes our worldview and the way in which we respond to stimuli. 

Pupils also learned about the famous case of Phineas Gage, who has been studied extensively by doctors following an industrial accident where his brain was seriously injured. The famous case allowed doctors to develop their understanding of how someone’s behaviour and personality can change as a result of brain damage.

Other lessons investigated mental health and wellbeing. Pupils were encouraged to discuss media and advertising influences as well as the impact of parents and peers. They also discussed coping with discrimination and were taught the importance of emotional resilience. 

Pupils were given practical tasks in order to help them develop a stronger mental outlook.

After the lessons, several of the high school pupils talked to the psychology students about their interest in studying psychology in further or higher education.

Today I learned that what I feel today is not how I will always feel; therefore, I will remember that when I have a bad day.

Workshop participantCraigroyston Community High School

 Today I learned about being mindful and learning from my mistakes; therefore, I will take risks and spend time being mindful each day.

Workshop participantCraigroyston Community High School

Classroom resources

The resources created by final year psychology students can be accessed through the University's Open.Ed website

Open.Ed | Introduction to the Brain

Open.Ed | Prejudice Reduction Strategies

Open.Ed | Attention and Advertising Techniques