Education Interview Guidance
Preparing for your interview
Observe the world around you
What stories and events are affecting education (particularly the phase you wish to train to teach, i.e. primary, secondary or post-compulsory education)? What’s your opinion on the latest news?
Research and understand the role
Could you meet the expectations? Have a clear view of why you want to be a teacher.
Work experience
Experience in a school is not essential to making an application. However, it does help you to know more about life in the setting you wish to teach in and will give you some personal experience to reflect on.
What are you going to wear?
We need to see that you understand what appropriate professional attire is for a teacher. So decide what you’re going to wear in advance so you can check it’s clean and presentable!
What to expect
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You’ll be invited to an in-person interview for PGCE Primary with the exception of overseas applicants. BA Primary applicants will be invited to an online interview.
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You will take part in a written task as part of your interview.
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The written task allows you to demonstrate clear communication skills and understanding of education. Where you've applied to train to teach a specific subject, you will also be able to show your passion for that subject.
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If you are required to deliver a presentation, you will be advised of a topic or given a list of topics to choose from in advance. The presentation will be short so there's no need to worry! This is not a lesson and we don't want you to prepare a PowerPoint! Do think about how you would deliver this presentation to a small group of pupils though. Perhaps use some visual aids, examples or even a learning activity that would help communicate your ideas.
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During the interview stage, explain why you think this is the right career for you and what you understand the role of a teacher to be. Why do you want to teach at this level (whether that's primary or secondary)? If you're looking to teach a specific subject, why that subject? Who or what has inspired you? You will have time to ask any questions after your interview.
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
You’ll be asked to discuss a current issue in education. This will be an issue of your choosing that you will be able to prepare for in advance. This allows us to see your current knowledge and shows you are aware of the wider issues in education.
PGCE Primary and Early Years with QTS
The format for the PGCE Primary interviews is as follows:
The interview process will begin with a presentation by the tutors where you will be given further information about the course and will have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.
You will be asked to complete a writing task to demonstrate clear communication skills and understanding of education.
The third element of the interview process is a group discussion task. A short scenario will be shared with you which you will discuss with other applicants to demonstrate clear communication skills.
The final element of the process is a short 1:1 interview with one of our tutors.
You can prepare for your interview in the following ways:
- Think about why you want to train as a teacher (you will be asked about this at interview)
- Think about what teaching in primary school might entail
- Look at a copy of the National Curriculum 2013 KS1 and KS2
- Look at a copy of the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Guidance
- It would also be beneficial for you to have visited the DfE Get Into Teaching website and in particular information regarding finances.
Tips
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Be prepared! If Admissions have requested you bring certain documents to your interview - or to have them to show on camera - make sure you have them to hand! It's also useful to have a copy of your personal statement on hand to remind yourself what you said in your application.
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Be on time! Promptness is an important part of professional conduct so if you’re coming on to campus, allow lots of time for travel and plan for possible delays. If your interview is online, make sure you have everything set up and ready to go in good time.
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Don’t talk TOO much! We want to hear about your skills and experience but it’s also important to keep to the point!
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Don’t make inappropriate jokes or share horror stories! Of course we want you to smile and be yourself, but we’re looking for the next generation of professionals and want to know you can interact with people appropriately.
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Maintain natural eye contact. Don’t stare us out but also don’t look at the floor! Just think about the normal eye contact you would make with a friend when you’re having a chat.
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Don’t be negative but if you must be negative, show how you turned it into a positive.
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Conduct yourself in a manner that shows you are free from bias and are happy work with anyone from a cross-section of cultures and society.
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Finally...Enjoy it! We’re not looking to trip you up – we want you to do well. You’ve put in the hard work so now it’s your opportunity to shine!
