Barry Comprehensive School

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Barry Comprehensive Psychology Department has been lucky enough to forge links with Cardiff University’s School of Psychology. Their department is one of the best Psychology departments in the UK and they are part of WICN (Welsh Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience), a collaboration of Bangor, Swansea and Cardiff Universities.

On 7th February 2008, Year 12 students were exclusively invited to visit the University to learn more about contemporary Psychology and life as a student at the University. The day included workshops and activities based on topics such as perception and mood disorders which were led by active researchers. The students were also given a unique tour of CUBRIC (Cardiff University Brain Repair Imaging Centre) where the brain is studied through the use of various complex brain imaging techniques. Described as the highlight of the trip, the students were amazed by real time fMRI and MEG brain scans of volunteers and the complex data that was gained.

The day drew to a close with a presentation by current Cardiff University Psychology students of various levels. Our students asked plenty of questions about all aspects of student life, from the timetable to location of the student union! All students came away with a really positive attitude to going on to University and a further understanding of psychology which will no doubt help them with their studies.

The Psychology department would like to thank Tom Freeman and Catherine Hortop at Cardiff University for organising such a fantastic event for our students.

Photos

1. Group one - (L-R) Michael Eveleigh, Craig Hill, Robin Johns, Ryan George, Lorna Griffiths, Chloe Downes, Alys Griffin and Jess Walton posing outside the CUBRIC building.
2. Miss Jenkins (the only brave volunteer!) was getting comfy in the MEG suite.
3. Students listening intently to researcher Natalia Lawrence about research into mood disorders such as depression.
4. The whole group at the end of the day (L-R) Alys Griffin, Robin Johns, Michael Eveleigh, Jess Walton, Ryan George, Craig Hill, Chloe Downes, Grant Jones, Peter Fordham, Daniel Aeyad, Lorna Griffiths, Aimee Miles. Across the back (L-R) Tom Freeman and the students and researchers from the University.