A teacher led by example at a Wisbech school after joining her pupils to gain a B grade in A Level psychology.

Cambs Times: Teacher Deborah Simpson of Thomas Clarkson Academy, Wisbech, gains a Psychology A Level. Seen here alongside her pupil Abbie Murray, left.Teacher Deborah Simpson of Thomas Clarkson Academy, Wisbech, gains a Psychology A Level. Seen here alongside her pupil Abbie Murray, left. (Image: Archant)

Dr Deborah Simpson, head of health and social sciences at Thomas Clarkson Academy, has been teaching A Level psychology for two years.

Last year her students did so well that the exams officer challenged her to sit the A Level herself.

Dr Simpsonwho has a doctorate in biochemistry and also teaches biology, said: ‘I have taught psychology for two years but this is a brand new spec so I actually learned the Year 12 and 13 topics in about six weeks and I spent the whole of my Easter and May half term revising.

“When I knew I was going to sit the exam I physically moved from the ‘teacher’ position in the classroom and we all sat together so it was much more collaborative.

“There was still obviously the professional boundary but it was striking how the students and I clicked.

“Psychology is quite an emotive subject but the fact that I had to learn it as well made it even more comfortable to talk about what we felt. “It was a really positive experience and I would recommend it. I am really pleased because, to be honest, teaching and passing the A Level is not quite the same.

“It was very enjoyable from my point of view and really made me remember how hard it was to do A Levels!’

She said it was not just a rewarding time teaching and learning but also allowed her to explore a different teaching style.

Student Abbie Murray, who studied alongside Dr Simpson to gain a C, said: ‘It made me feel more comfortable when Dr Simpson was studying it as well because I knew she was in the same boat and understood everything.

“We always worked together and Dr Simpson helped us out a lot. She was like a peer as well as a teacher.’

• A typical A level psychology question: Two psychology students were discussing social influence. “I find it fascinating how some people are able to resist social influence,” said Jack. “It must be having a confident personality.”

“I disagree,’ said Sarah. “I think resisting social influence depends more on the presence of others.” Discuss the two explanations of resistance to social influence.