BEd Primary Education Programmes

Marjon primary teaching student sitting with child in classroom

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)

As part of your interview, you will be asked to select a children’s picture book and use it to plan and deliver a short learning activity.

Before the interview

Choose a children’s picture book.

Be prepared to share your chosen book with the group and interview panel. You should be ready to explain:
Why you chose the book and what attracted you to it.
Your thoughts on the story, illustrations and ideas or messages conveyed through the book.
The age range or year group for which you think the book would be suitable, and why.
Why you think children would enjoy the book and how it might engage their interest or imagination.

Plan a short learning activity linked to your book.

Using your chosen picture book as inspiration, plan a creative and engaging activity that you will deliver to the group and interview panel during your interview.
Your activity should:
Be clearly linked to your chosen book.
Engage participants through an interesting, creative or practical task.
Have a clear learning purpose, teaching a specific concept or developing a particular skill.
Be appropriate for the age group you have identified.

Prepare your resources.

You must complete your preparation before attending the interview. Please bring any resources you will need to deliver your activity, such as paper, pens, pencils or scissors. You may also wish to bring a copy of your chosen book.

During the interview, you will be asked to:

Introduce your chosen picture book and explain your reasons for selecting it.
Share your thoughts about the book, including its suitability for a particular age group and its potential appeal to children.
Deliver your planned learning activity to the group and interview panel, demonstrating how you would engage learners and support their learning.
Please ensure that you have chosen your book, planned your activity and prepared any necessary resources before the day of your interview.

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. 