TO EASE EXAM ANXIETY LOG ON TO PSYONLINE

Academics at Edge Hill are helping to ease exam stress for those taking the AQA Psychology AS level by launching the PsYonline web site on Tuesday 4th May at the Ormskirk Campus.

The web site (http://psyonline.edgehill.ac.uk) is the result of 12 months work by a research team at Edge Hill together with teachers from five North-West schools to aid the study of psychology. Key features of the site include sample answers to past exam questions, online revision tests, links to online radio programmes, as well as printable work sheets.

Dr Mike Davis, Senior Lecturer in Education Studies at Edge Hill spearheaded the partnership scheme, the only one of its kind that relates directly to the AQA syllabus. Sponsored by the DFES the web site brings together sixth form teachers and students of psychology from the independent and state education sectors.

Dr Davis said: "The premise behind the project was the realisation that students were spending far too much time on the internet searching for relevant resources, frequently logging off having found little of real significance. PsYonline aims to stop this frustrating process by having one key site, where students are sure to find the information they need."

The general study area of the site provides study, essay and exam tips, links to undergraduate courses in psychology, information on careers in the field and a frequently asked questions format. Online discussions related to course areas are also a feature, with access to expert in residence conferences, to enable students to discuss issues with specialists in the field of psychology.

Dr Mike Davis: "Students should find the PsYonline site an invaluable tool for revision. This time of year can be quite stressful for those juggling revision timetables, so a resource where everything is to hand on one easy to navigate site should help to ease the process."

Schools involved in the development of the site include Arnold School in Blackpool, Cardinal Newman Sixth Form College in Preston, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Kirkham Grammar School and Lytham St Annes High Technology College.

Heads of Psychology and AS students from partner schools are to attend the launch event where they will be given a tour of the site followed by an introduction to the use of web CT. They will also take part in their first online Expert in Residence conference, via the web site when eminent A level Psychology text-book author Erika Cox will be online to answer questions on topics such as how to achieve exams success.

The site is accessible to all AS students and work has already begun on developing resources for A2 study ready for September 2004. ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographers and journalists are invited to attend the launch event on Tuesday 4th May at 11.15am at Edge Hill?s Ormskirk Campus. Please report to the main reception where Neal Malvern from the PsYonline team will meet you.

EDITOR?S NOTES: For further press information or for an interview with Dr Mike Davis please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk.