BEd Primary Education Programmes

BEd Primary Education & Primary with Early Years Programmes

We look forward to welcoming you to your interview at Plymouth Marjon University. The interview is an important part of the application process - it allows us to assess your suitability for the programme you have applied for, and it also gives you the opportunity to decide whether Marjon is the right place for you to study. Our BEd Primary Interview Days are in person; this is our preference to see you teach in an interactive group environment.  

During your interview, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Have a tour of the university campus 

• Find out more about the course 

• Complete a series of interview tasks designed to explore your knowledge, skills, and motivation for teaching 

• Meet current Students and learn about student life at Marjon 

Interview tasks

Formal Interview (15 - 20 minutes per interviewee) 

This will include questions on: 

• The role of a teacher and the key qualities needed to be effective 

• Your understanding of teaching and learning in primary education 

• Safeguarding and child welfare responsibilities, including safer recruitment questions 

• Communication skills and ability to build positive relationships 

• Curriculum knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching the primary core and foundation and/or Early Years subjects 

• Awareness of effective teaching and learning practices 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners 

 

Children’s Book Task (10 minutes per interviewee)   

For this task, please choose a children’s picture book. You will be asked to present and share with the group and interview panel:   

• Why you chose this particular book    

• Your thoughts on the story, illustrations, and ideas conveyed    

• The age or year group the book would be suitable for   

• Why you think children would enjoy it   

Before attending the interview, you should have chosen your book and planned a short learning activity linked to it. This preparation must be completed in advance.   

At the interview, you will be asked to present and teach this planned activity to the group and interview panel. The activity should be creative, engaging, and should teach the group a clear concept or skill. You should prepare and bring any required resources (for example, paper, pens, scissors, etc.) and may wish to bring a copy of the book with you.   

 

Group Task (10 minutes)   

You will take part in a short, collaborative discussion / hands-on activity in a small group. Together, you will explore the professional values of a teacher. No additional preparation is needed for this task and further information will be provided at the interview. The interview panel will observe the discussion.  

 

Recommended preparation

To prepare for your interview, we recommend that you: 

• Research the National Curriculum (Key Stages 3, 4 and 5) 

•  Familiarise yourself with Keeping Children Safe in Education 

• Get to Know the Teachers Standards 

•  Stay informed about current issues and policy developments in education 

• Know the professional role of the teacher https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/ 

• If applying for the Early Years route, research Development Matters

 

What to bring with you (in person)

• Photo ID 

• Your chosen picture book 

• Any resources (physical or digital) you may need for your activity 

 

Schedule for the day (in person)

Please note timings can vary depending on how many candidates are in attendance. 

08:30 - 09:00 arrive at The Welcome Desk and register with our Student Ambassadors  

09:00 - 09:30 Welcome Talk and refreshments  

09:30 - 12:30 Group task and individual interviews  

12:30 - 13:15 optional campus tour led by our Student Ambassadors  

13:15 - End of the Interview Day