A teacher's guide to the new QCAA Senior Psychology syllabus changes

Lorelle Burton is a Professor of Psychology in the School of Psychology and Counselling at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). She is currently Associate Dean (Students) in the Faculty of Health, Engineering & Sciences at USQ and leads the Community Futures research program in the Institute for Resilient Regions at USQ. Lorelle has received multinational awards, her most recent being the 2016 Australian Psychological Society’s Distinguished Contribution to Psychological Education Award. As a ‘critical friend’ of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), Lorelle has provided feedback on the new Queensland syllabus for Psychology.

Lorelle has authored multiple psychology textbooks, including market-leading Australian psychology textbooks used in first year studies at universities across Australia and New Zealand. She has led national research projects in learning and teaching, has served on national learning and teaching committees and boards, and has been an invited assessor for national teaching excellence awards and grants. Lorelle currently leads community capacity building programs that involve working collaboratively with marginalised groups in community, examining the challenges they face and identifying the key factors that contribute to these social issues. The Community Futures research seeks people’s own stories as a powerful way to strengthen communities and find new paths to support them into the future.

Karen Marangio has extensive experience teaching Psychology in secondary schools. Karen currently works in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, lecturing in Psychology and Science Education Methods. Her research interests include the progression of student learning in psychology and developing the pedagogy of pre-service teachers.

Joey Saunders has taught Psychology across VCE and IB extensively and was an expert writing team member in the QCAA Psychology syllabus development. Joey is also part of the external examiners team in both the VCE and IB and has worked in both state and independent schools in her teaching journey. Joey is currently Senior Science Psychology Teacher and Acting head of house at Ipswich Girls Grammar School.

Roger Edwards has been teaching Psychology at both a secondary and tertiary level for over 15 years. Roger is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and a psychologist in private practice. He is currently Supervising Psychologist at the Krongold Clinic, Monash University.

Elizabeth Blaher-Lucas has taught VCE Psychology for the past 14 years in both state and independent schools. She currently teaches at St Michael’s Grammar and recently completed further postgraduate studies in psychology.

Vicki Moore taught senior Humanities and Psychology for 20 years at St Catherine’s School. She has also been Psychology Methods Lecturer at Monash University and is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society. Vicki currently works with children and adolescents in a private practice.

Fiona Ganino-Day is passionate about teaching Psychology at a secondary level. She has taught at both state and independent schools.